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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
UK may ban airlines from charging for hand luggage – but it could hike your flight price, experts warn
The EU are due to discuss the new law next month PACK IT IN 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 put forward a new law to allow two carry-on items free as standard. 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 A transport source spoke to the i newspaper after the EU committee voted to introduce the standardised allowance. 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 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 Politico: '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 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. Advertisement 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 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
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
Metro
2 days ago
- Metro
The downside of the 'free hand luggage revolution'
A landmark EU vote could soon ban airlines from charging passengers extra to carry hand luggage on board. On the surface, it seems like a victory. We've all been burnt by 'cheap' flight deals that spiral out of control once you accept that you can't fit a week's worth of clothes into one tote bag. But don't go popping the champagne just yet. Whether you're bringing a small suitcase to put into the overhead locker, or a checked bag in the hold, passengers are often expected to pay hefty sums for the privilege. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. And, those caught breaking the rules, with baggage that is too large or heavy, have been subject to dizzying fines. But now, European Union lawmakers have approved an amendment that would give people the right to travel with a 7kg carry-on bag at no extra cost. If the rule is confirmed, travellers could bring this on board for free — plus one smaller item that can fit under a seat. 'Today's vote marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel,' Matteo Ricci, vice-president of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism said. He added that free luggage was 'a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs.' It's important to note though that the amendment still needs to be negotiated between EU member states, and has not yet been made official. Airlines4Europe (A4E) represents 17 airline group members across Europe — including the likes of Ryanair, Easyjet, Jet2, IAG (who own British Airways) and TUI. When asked for their thoughts on the free-hand luggage policy, they told Metro it will spell bad news for passengers. 'Europe's airline market is built on choice,' Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of A4E, said. 'Forcing a mandatory trolley bag strips passengers of that choice and obliges passengers to pay for services they may not want or need.' More Trending When asked exactly how passengers would now be forced to pay for hand luggage anyway, a spokesperson continued: 'There is a cost to carrying bags for airlines and the approach proposed by the Parliament means airlines will have to pass this increased cost onto all passengers, not just those who feel that a trolley bag is the choice for them that they wish to pay for.' Ourania likened the decision to 'mandatory popcorn and drinks as part of your cinema ticket', adding: 'The European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don't.' It's perhaps no surprise that a coalition of European airlines will view the potential new ruling negatively. Currently, Ryanair passengers pay the airline up to £60 one way for two cabin bags. But regardless, the consequences are clear: passengers will inevitably be forced to absorb the cost lost from carry-on charges into their ticket, meaning your flight isn't suddenly going to get cheaper — or worse, it could get more expensive. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Cabin crew calls on passengers to subdue air rage woman demanding upgrade MORE: Plane shoots fire from engine mid-flight as it makes emergency landing MORE: All the food and drink banned on EasyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI flights
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 Mirror
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Major EU hand luggage rule change takes step forward - what it means for Brits
The European Union Parliament transport committee has approved a change which would allow passengers to carry handbags weighing up to 7kg without additional charges on all EU airline flights A major ruling means passengers could soon take two bags onto planes for no extra charge. On Tuesday, the EU's Transport and Tourism Committee proposed changes to EU passenger rights rules by 38 votes to two and two abstentions. While the proposals need to be voted through by the European Parliament in the coming weeks, and then discussed by country representatives for the European Council, the decision this week is a major step forward, and a very positive one for air passenger rights. Perhaps most importantly for those who fly on budget airlines, the Committee decided that: "Passengers should have a right to carry on board one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop (maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm), and one small hand luggage (maximum dimensions of 100 cm and 7 kg) without an additional fee." 'Secret weapon' lets you beat Ryanair and easyJet luggage rules That means airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air, which currently charge significant sums for a second bag, wouldn't be able to demand big fees for an additional bag. On Ryanair, an extra bag in addition to the one free personal item (40 x 20 x 25 cm) that fits under the seat costs up to £36. On easyJet, the dimensions of your carry-on bag—including the handle and wheels—must not exceed 56 x 25 x 45 cm. If your bag is larger than this, you will be charged £40 to have it stored in the hold. The measure sought to spare passengers "unjustified extra costs", said Matteo Ricci, a centre-left lawmaker and bill's lead sponsor. Many low-cost air carriers include only one small on-board item in the ticket, charging extra for other hand baggage. The changes will have a big impact on UK passengers, despite the country no longer being a member of the EU. The rules would apply to EU-based airlines (such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and EasyJet), including when they are carrying passengers from a non-EU country like the UK to an EU country and vice-versa. Another big change would mean airlines could no longer stop children under 12 from sitting next to their accompanying passenger free of charge. The Committee also wants more protections for persons with reduced mobility by making sure an accompanying person can travel with them free of charge, and adding a compensation right in case of loss or damage to mobility equipment or injury to an assistance animal. Airlines for Europe, an industry association, has pushed back against the hand luggage proposal, suggesting it would result in higher flight prices, upping costs for those who travel light. "Forcing a mandatory trolley bag... obliges passengers to pay for services they may not want or need," A4E managing director Ourania Georgoutsakou said ahead of the vote. The transport committee also voted to introduce a common form for compensation and reimbursement requests as well a defined list of extraordinary circumstances, such as natural disasters or war, under which airlines can deny those.
