New EU Carry-On Baggage Rules: What Will Change for Passengers

Passengers traveling by air within the European Union will in the future be able to carry more carry-on luggage at no extra charge. Under the agreed-upon changes, a standard airline ticket must include a small personal item that fits under the seat, as well as a separate carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg.

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What new carry-on baggage rules are planned for the EU?

The main change concerns what exactly is included in a standard airline ticket at no extra charge. Under the agreed-upon rules, passengers will be able to bring two pieces of carry-on baggage on board, rather than just one small bag, as is often the case with budget airlines today.

The free allowance will consist of:

- One small personal item—such as a purse, backpack, or laptop bag—that must fit under the seat in front

- One larger piece of carry-on luggage weighing up to 7 kg

- The sum of the length, width, and height of the larger bag or suitcase must not exceed 100 cm

This is particularly important for passengers given the current fare structure of low-cost carriers. In many cases, the cheapest ticket includes only a small bag that fits under the seat, while a suitcase for the overhead compartment must be paid for separately. Once the new rules take effect, the standard fare should already include both types of carry-on luggage.

At the same time, ultra-low-cost fares without carry-on luggage will not disappear. Airlines plan to be allowed to offer a lower price to passengers who voluntarily opt out of larger carry-on luggage. Exactly how carriers will structure these fares has not yet been finalized.

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When will the new EU carry-on baggage rules take effect?

The new rules are not yet in effect. The European Parliament and EU member states have reached a preliminary agreement on reforming air travel regulations, but the legislative process has not yet been completed.

October 2027 is currently cited as the earliest possible date for the new system to take effect. However, the actual date may be later, as the document must undergo the remaining procedures at the EU level before it can take effect. Until then, the current rules of individual airlines will continue to apply.

When booking a ticket, passengers should, as before, check:

- How many pieces of carry-on luggage are included in the fare

- The permitted dimensions and weight of a bag or suitcase

- Whether there is a separate fee for overhead bin storage

- How much the surcharge will cost online and at the airport

Therefore, the rule allowing a second carry-on bag weighing up to 7 kg without an additional fee should not yet be applied to actual flights. Until the reform is officially launched, the terms and conditions of Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, and other carriers remain the determining factors for each specific flight.

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Will low-cost carriers eliminate carry-on baggage fees?

Hand-carry baggage fees will not disappear entirely. The new rules are primarily intended to change the structure of standard fares.

Airlines will still be able to sell cheaper tickets to passengers who voluntarily opt out of carrying larger hand-carry baggage. In other words, the budget fare—which includes only a small bag under the seat—will likely remain.

For low-cost carriers, this will mean having to revise their fare packages. However, each airline will determine its specific prices and conditions individually. Until the rules take effect, the carriers’ current fares will remain unchanged.

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Will the new carry-on rules apply to flights from the UK?

The new EU rules will not automatically apply to flights from the UK. According to easyJet, passengers departing from UK airports will not be entitled to the new free carry-on allowance.

However, the situation will be different for return flights. If a passenger is flying from an EU country to the UK, the new European rules should apply. easyJet has already confirmed this approach for its future flights.

This applies not only to easyJet. A similar policy is expected for other British carriers, including British Airways and Jet2. Airlines are already reviewing their baggage policies ahead of the upcoming implementation of the reform.

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We remind you! Popular European tourist destinations are becoming increasingly crowded, so travelers are looking for alternatives without the crowds. In 2026, attention is turning to countries that remain off the beaten path but offer unique experiences, affordable prices, and an authentic atmosphere. Read more about 5 European countries that are rarely visited by tourists.

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