The changes coming to European hand-luggage rules

CNN

3 days ago

In travel news this week: Why Thailand did a U-turn on legalizing marijuana, why the party might be over for Germany's clubbing capital, plus more generous luggage rules are coming to European flights.
European lawmakers have voted to get rid of tricksy, confusing airline carry-on fees and promote standardization across the industry.
The proposal still requires approval from EU member states but, if adopted, travelers could soon be guaranteed a lot more free hand luggage than is currently standard on the region's budget airlines.
Right now, low-cost carriers including EasyJet and Ryanair allow passengers one free bag that must fit under the seat in front.
However, with no standardized dimensions across airlines, travelers have often been caught unawares with incorrectly sized bags when switching between carriers.
The new rule would allow passengers to bring one cabin bag measuring up to 100 centimeters (about 40 inches) and weighing up to seven kilos (15.4 pounds), plus an under-the-seat personal item with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 centimeters. (That's about the size of a small backpack.)
If it goes through, it will apply to all flights within the EU, as well as routes to and from the EU.
While this rule change has yet to be confirmed, there are other luggage changes already afoot.
Trade association Airlines for Europe (A4E), which represents 17 of the region's leading airlines, announced on Wednesday that its members have started applying the guaranteed set of dimensions of 40 × 30 × 15 centimeters for under-seat bags.
In line with this move, Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, has said that it will be increasing its small-item size limits from ​​40 x 25 x 20 centimeters to to 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters in 'the coming weeks, as our airport bag-sizers are adjusted.'
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