Latest news with #AirlinesforEurope
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn
AIRLINES could be banned from charging British passengers bringing hand luggage on flights, it is claimed. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is understood to be considering proposals to change the rules after the EU Parliament transport and tourism committee Advertisement 5 Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, is reported to be considering the proposals Credit: Alamy 5 New rules could mean everyone gets a free carry-on bag Credit: Getty 5 But the new rules could drive up air fares for passengers Credit: Alamy If the new law is approved, passengers flying on any EU airline will be allowed a free cabin bag to put in the overhead locker - as long as it weighs no more than 7kg and measures up to 100cm. Ryanair and Wizz Air introduced fees for large cabin bags in 2018, and easyJet followed suit in 2021. However, the likes of British Airways and already include two pieces of cabin baggage as standard in their base fairs. But there are fears some airlines will put up ticket prices to claw back revenue losses - with some claiming the proposals are unworkable due to lack of space and warn flights maybe delayed. Advertisement Read more news A transport source spoke to the Due to varying rules across airlines, the European Parliament hopes to create a common standard across the board for carry-on luggage. The proposals are still under discussion by member states and a time frame for implementation are unclear, though a meeting is scheduled for July. The UK source told the i the Government was also looking at changing the law in the coming months, although policy development is at an early stage. Advertisement Most read in News Travel A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: 'We do not comment on speculation but continue to closely monitor the EU's proposals on air passenger rights reforms. 'We want to make sure passengers can travel with ease, which is why we landed a deal with the EU to allow millions more British nationals to use e-gates at airports in time for the summer holidays.' Primark launches new range of cabin bags on wheels - they're approved by all budget airlines & there's matching carry-ons too Airlines have warned they may need to increase ticket prices which would impact all passengers, including those travelling with smaller bags. Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou told : 'The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't.' Advertisement Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Airlines for Europe also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Advertisement Last year, there were Speaking to "We're working with the other airlines in A4E to try to agree standardised sizes, but we haven't reached an agreement with them yet." While the rules continue to be discussed, check out this Advertisement Plus the Expert opinion on what the new rules mean for you Head of Travel Lisa Minot weighs in. EUROPEAN plans to force all airlines to allow passengers to bring a bag weighing less than 7kg into the cabin as well as an under-seat bag seem on the face of it to be a good outcome for travellers. But there could be a sting in the tail for flyers going forward. Low cost airlines have for years been keeping the price of base fares low by adding on an ever more dizzying array of extra charges. And these ancillary charges now make up an increasing percentage of their profits. These extra charges now make up more than 30per cent of Ryanair's revenue. Between October and December last year, Ryanair's ancillary revenues were worth £884million. Airlines argue that if they are forced to comply with the new laws, the base fares will have to rise for every passenger across the board, including those flying smaller bags. They also point out many airlines won't be able to comply with the new rules as typically planes that carry 180 passengers only have room for 90 trolley bags. But on the plus side, forcing all airlines to adhere to the same rules can only be a good thing. Right now, the disparity between the size and weight of bags and the prices airlines charge is hideously complicated and can often lead to passengers being caught out. 5 Potential new rules could mean all passengers can bring a free carry-on bag onboard Credit: Alamy 5 Passengers boarding on a Ryanair plane at Timioara Traian Vuia International Airport Credit: Getty
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
New rules for major airlines on small bags approved by MEPs
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. 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. 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.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Passengers travelling to Europe could take cabin bag on board for FREE - as new rules will ban airlines from charging extra
Holidaymakers may soon avoid the frustration of paying extra fees for carry-on luggage at the boarding gate - thanks to proposed changes in EU airline rules. The EU Parliament transport committee has approved new regulations that would grant all passengers the right to carry a handbag or small suitcase weighing up to 7kg at no extra cost. Under the amendment, passengers would be allowed one cabin bag with dimensions measuring up to 100cm, in addition to a smaller personal item that fits under the seat. This proposal could significantly impact budget airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, which currently charge extra for larger cabin baggage. If implemented, the rule would apply not only to domestic EU flights but also to international flights connecting the EU with non-member countries, including the UK. For the proposal to become law, it still requires approval from at least 55 per cent of EU member states, representing 65 cent of the total EU population. However, this process could take time and prompt pushback from national governments and airline lobbies. Spain has already expressed its approval for the proposed changes - but not everyone is on board. Airlines for Europe, representing major carriers, warn that the new rules could disrupt operations and ultimately lead to increased ticket prices for passengers - even for those not carrying extra luggage. Managing director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico that the European Parliament should 'let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't.' Ahead of Tuesday's vote, the group contacted EU transport committee members, stressing practical and logistical challenges airlines would face. They pointed out that although many aircraft carry up to 180 passengers, the overhead compartments can only accommodate about 90 trolley-sized bags. The industry body argues that requiring free carry-on luggage could cause boarding delays and overcrowding, and that travellers should retain the flexibility to select and pay for only the services they require.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
European officials vote to ban airline carry-on luggage fees to avoid ‘unjustified extra costs' for EU passengers
EUROPEAN officials voted yesterday to ban airline carry-on luggage fees to avoid "unjustified extra costs" for passengers. An amendment on air passenger rights was approved by the Advertisement 2 Female hand holding the luggage suitcase weighting on the kilo scales for check the weight prepare check-in at the airport terminal. Credit: Getty Images - Getty The proposal would allow The new rule - if confirmed in negotiations with And it comes in a move strongly opposed by the aviation sector. Advertisement Most read in Travel Many low-cost airlines across Europe already include only one small-board item in the ticket without charging an extra fee. In a statement before yesterday's vote, Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of the Airlines for Europe (A4E) said: "Europe's airline market is built on choice. "Forcing a mandatory trolley bag strips passengers of that choice and obliges passengers to pay for services they may not want or need." She continued: "What's next? Mandatory popcorn and drinks as part of your cinema ticket? Advertisement Most read in News Travel "The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't." The new measure would apply to all flights departing or arriving within the 27-nation European Union. Dramatic moment Ryanair plane is forced to abort landing during Tenerife storm And it was adopted as part of amendments to passenger rights rules. It was proposed by the Socialist and Democrats MEP Matteo Ricci in 2023 to strengthen the enforcement of air passenger rights. Advertisement He said that the new rule sought to spare passengers of "unjustified extra costs." And the transport committee has also voted to introduce a common form for compensation and refund claims as well as a defined list of extraordinary circumstances, such as war or natural disaster. The proposals will go to a vote by the Council of the European Union. 2 Many low-cost airlines across Europe already include only one small-board item in the ticket without charging an extra fee Credit: Getty Images - Getty Advertisement
The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Passengers could soon take a free cabin bag on flights – as EU set to change carry-on rules
PASSENGERS flying on EU airlines might not have to pay for fees for carry-on bags up to 7kg under new rules. On June 25, the EU Parliament transport committee put forward a new law to ban additional fees for small carry-on bags. 3 If the new law is approved, passengers flying on any EU airline will be allowed a free cabin bag to put in the overhead locker. The conditions are that the bag can weigh up to 7kg and is no more than 100cm. Passengers will also be allowed to bring one smaller personal item that can fit under a seat on the flight. The new rule would apply to all flights between the EU and the UK and flights within the EU itself. Due to varying rules across airlines, the European Parliament hopes to create a common standard across the board for carry-on luggage. The bad news is that some airlines have warned that the proposed rule change could force up ticket fares. It could potentially impact all passengers, including those travelling with smaller bags. Airlines for Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou told Politico: '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 also warned that its members won't be able to comply with the new rule due to lack of space. A typical cabin seats 180 passengers but has room for only 90 trolley bags in the overhead lockers. Primark launches new range of cabin bags on wheels - they're approved by all budget airlines & there's matching carry-ons too The EU transport committee also agreed during the meeting that airlines should be prohibited from charging a seat selection fee for children up to the age of 12. It also wants to introduce a common form for compensation and reimbursement requests. Last year, there were reports that there were going to be changes to the hand luggage rules - but these did not change. Speaking to The Independent at the time, Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Europe's biggest budget carrier, Ryanair said: "We do think there should be a standardised agreement on what can be brought on board. "We're working with the other airlines in A4E to try to agree standardised sizes, but we haven't reached an agreement with them yet." While the rules continue to be discussed, check out this popular travel bag that's allowed on Ryanair flights for free. Plus the travel bags, plane outfits and accessories we can't live without – and they start from just 99p. Expert opinion on what the new rules mean for you Head of Travel (Print) Lisa Minot weighs in. EUROPEAN plans to force all airlines to allow passengers to bring a bag weighing less than 7kg into the cabin as well as an under-seat bag seem on the face of it to be a good outcome for travellers. But there could be a sting in the tail for flyers going forward. Low cost airlines have for years been keeping the price of base fares low by adding on an ever more dizzying array of extra charges. And these ancillary charges now make up an increasing percentage of their profits. These extra charges now make up more than 30per cent of Ryanair's revenue. Between October and December last year, Ryanair's ancillary revenues were worth £884million. Airlines argue that if they are forced to comply with the new laws, the base fares will have to rise for every passenger across the board, including those flying smaller bags. They also point out many airlines won't be able to comply with the new rules as typically planes that carry 180 passengers only have room for 90 trolley bags. But on the plus side, forcing all airlines to adhere to the same rules can only be a good thing. Right now, the disparity between the size and weight of bags and the prices airlines charge is hideously complicated and can often lead to passengers being caught out. 3
