New rules for major airlines on small bags approved by MEPs

Daily Record

2 days ago

A new law proposed by the European Parliament's transport committee would change what passengers can carry without incurring any additional charges
Passengers flying on EU airlines could soon be allowed to carry handbags weighing up to 7kg without facing additional charges, if a proposed law is approved. On Tuesday (June 24), the European Parliament's transport committee gave the go-ahead to an amendment that would eliminate fees for small carry-on bags.
Several airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air, currently impose charges for larger cabin bags (those intended for the overhead locker) within their standard fares. These airlines only include a small under-seat bag in the basic ticket price.
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However, other airlines such as British Airways and Jet2 include a larger cabin bag within their standard fares. Officials propose that passengers should be allowed one free cabin bag weighing up to 7kg and not exceeding 100cm, along with another smaller personal item that can fit under the seat.
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Move could affect all EU flights
This potential policy would apply to all flights to and from the EU, which includes routes between the EU and the UK, reports Bristol Live. A significant majority of MEPs voted in favour of amending EU passenger rights laws, adopting a stance on a new passenger rights bill with 38 votes in favour, two against and two abstentions. The finer points of the proposed EU regulations are currently under discussion among member states, with Spain signalling its support for the revisions, reports Cornwall Live.
Transport Committee member Jens Gieseke said: "Our proposals are intended to strengthen passenger confidence and encourage companies to develop more attractive multimodal offers. They set out clear, reasonable obligations for carriers – and at the same time ensure passengers are not abandoned."
However, there are concerns within the aviation sector that these new regulations might bump up the prices of flight tickets for all travellers, irrespective of their luggage amount. One industry head revealed confusion.
Ourania Georgoutsakou, the managing director of travel lobby group Airlines for Europe, said: "What's next? Mandatory popcorn and drinks as part of your cinema ticket? The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't."
Airlines for Europe raises doubts over MEP plans
Adding to the concerns, Airlines for Europe suggested that the execution of this rule could be problematic due to operational stumbling blocks. They told the EU transport committee that an average plane with seats for 180 passengers can handle about 90 cabin bags in its overhead compartments.
Nonetheless, the committee says airlines must not levy extra fees for certain seating choices, especially when it comes to children under the age of 12. The committee champions a standard procedure for managing compensation and reimbursement claims.
European consumer rights organisation BEUC has commended the European Parliament's latest move. Steven Berger, the leading legal officer at BEUC, said: "This is a basic consumer expectation, and it fully aligns with the Court of Justice's ruling that reasonable-sized hand luggage cannot be subject to additional fees."
In May, BEUC launched a complaint urging the European Commission and national consumer protection agencies to look into the cabin baggage charges imposed by carriers including easyJet, Norwegian Airlines, Ryanair, Volotea, Vueling, Transavia, and Wizz Air, arguing the pricing practices were illegitimate.
The transport committee is now poised to skip preliminary discussions stage and proceed to negotiations with EU member states.