New hand luggage rules will be introduced in Europe in 2025, including restrictions on size, weight and liquid volume. Find out what European airlines are introducing for hand luggage in 2025

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To optimize space on the plane and simplify the boarding procedure, airlines often update their hand luggage rules. Therefore, it is important to carefully monitor these requirements so as not to encounter additional fees.

In 2025, new hand luggage rules came into effect in Europe. Below is a detailed overview of the updated EU hand luggage rules for 2025.

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EU hand luggage rules for 2025

From September 2024, the EU introduced new travel rules that apply to all member states of the agreement:

- The 100 ml liquid rule has returned.

Liquid containers carried in hand luggage must not exceed 100 ml. All liquids must be contained in one transparent, resealable plastic bag with a total volume of 1 liter.

Some airports previously allowed larger containers for liquids, but the EU has standardized the 100ml rule until all airports have advanced screening technology.

More on the restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage in our previous article.

Planned EU changes to hand luggage

The European Union plans to standardize hand luggage rules, allowing travelers to have:

- One hand luggage item measuring up to 55x40x20 centimeters (10 kg);

- One small personal item (such as a laptop bag or handbag) measuring up to 40x30x15 centimeters.

Why is it important to standardize hand luggage?

Standardized rules simplify packing for frequent flyers. It will also help optimize overhead space: unified bag dimensions ensure that hand luggage fits comfortably in overhead bins, potentially speeding up boarding.

Airline hand luggage allowances for 2025

EU regulations set a baseline for hand luggage size requirements, but airlines can also impose their own additional restrictions, so it’s important to check the airline’s rules before you fly:

1. Air France

- Hand luggage size: 55x35x25 cm.

- Personal item size: 40x30x15 cm.

Air France offers a flexible hand luggage policy, allowing Economy and Premium Economy passengers to carry a bag and personal items weighing up to 12 kg.

In general, Economy & Premium Economy passengers are allowed one hand luggage + one personal item (max. 12 kg together). For Business & La Première travelers, two hand luggage + one personal item (max. 18 kg together).

2. EasyJet

- Standard fare: one small hand bag under the seat (max. 45x36x20 cm, 15 kg).

- Premium fare (large hand bag option): one additional hand bag (max. 56x45x25 cm).

EasyJet adheres to a strict one-bag-per-person rule for standard fare passengers, allowing only a small hand bag under the seat, which must be placed in front of you. Those who need extra space can order the Large Cabin Bag option, which allows for a larger hand bag, making it a more flexible choice for travelers with extra luggage.

3. KLM

- Hand bag size: 55x35x25 cm (with handles and wheels).

- Accessory (personal item): 40x30x15 cm.

KLM offers a generous baggage policy: Economy and Economy Comfort passengers can bring one carry-on bag and one accessory with a total weight of 12 kg.

Premium Comfort and Business Class: two large bags + one smaller accessory (maximum 18 kg together)

4. Iberia

- Hand luggage size: 56x40x25 cm.

- Weight limit: 10 kg.

- Personal item (accessory): 40x30x15 cm.

Iberia offers generous hand luggage allowances compared to budget airlines, making it a better choice for travelers who want to avoid additional fees and check-in delays. Passengers can take both a carry-on bag and personal items, providing enough space for essentials.

5. Ryanair

- Basic fare: one personal item (40x20x25 cm).

- Priority boarding option: additional hand luggage 55x40x20 cm (10 kg).

Ryanair has one of the strictest hand luggage policies among European airlines. The basic fare only allows for a small personal item that must fit under the seat. However, passengers can upgrade to the “Priority and 2 hand luggage” option, which allows them to take a larger hand luggage.

6. Vueling

- Basic fare: one personal item (40x30x20 cm).

- Premium fare: baggage (55x40x20 cm, 10 kg).

Vueling follows a similar approach to Ryanair, limiting the standard hand luggage allowance for Basic fare passengers. To bring a proper hand luggage, travelers must upgrade to a higher fare tier.

7. Air Europa

- Hand bag size: 55x35x25 cm.

- Weight limit: 10 kg.

- Personal item: 40x30x15 cm.

Air Europa offers a more traveler-friendly hand luggage policy with a larger allowance compared to budget airlines. This makes it ideal for passengers who want to pack extra clothes, gadgets or essentials without worrying about additional fees.

The rules and requirements for hand luggage are very dynamic and change frequently, so follow the latest news from the world of travel and migration in the “Blog” section of the Visit World portal to stay up to date with all the latest changes.

Reminder! The EU has announced that major changes to travel rules and migration legislation are planned for 2025. Expansion of the Schengen area, new tourist taxes and stricter rules for obtaining residence permits. We have already told you what changes and which categories of foreigners can expect in 2025.

To safely move, travel, or find work in a new country, you’ll need health insurance. Buy an extended policy tailored to your specific trip on the Visit World portal.