EU to guarantee free personal item in cabin baggage from 2027
Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 19 Oct, 09:57 · Archive
From October 2027, EU airlines must allow passengers one free personal item measuring no more than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm in the cabin.
From October 23, 2027, new EU rules will require airlines to guarantee passengers one free personal item in the cabin. The item must measure no more than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm or fit under the seat in front, and could be a handbag or small backpack.
The regulation, signed on September 16 and published in the EU's Official Journal on October 2, forms part of a broader overhaul of EU air passenger rights. The changes are designed to make baggage allowances clearer and flight prices easier to compare.
However, travellers should not expect a free larger cabin suitcase. Airlines retain flexibility over their baggage policies and will still be able to set their own allowances and offer different fares. Cheaper tickets without a larger hand-luggage allowance will continue to be available.
Under the new rules, airlines and booking intermediaries must display fares that include an allowance for hand baggage by default before the booking process begins. Passengers will need to check exactly what is included in the ticket they choose, as cheaper options without baggage allowances remain an option for airlines to offer.
The regulation does not establish a single EU-wide size or weight allowance for larger cabin suitcases, meaning airlines can continue to operate different policies. Passengers should not expect their current baggage allowances to change immediately, as the rules do not take effect until October 2027.
How it is being reported
- New EU hand luggage rules explained for UK travellers and holidaymakersNew EU hand luggage rules will guarantee one free personal item from October 2027, but larger cabin bags may still cost extra.Westmorland Gazette · 19 Oct, 09:35
- New EU hand luggage rules explained for UK travellers and holidaymakersNew EU hand luggage rules will guarantee one free personal item from October 2027, but larger cabin bags may still cost extra.Whitehaven News · 19 Oct, 09:35
- New EU hand luggage rules explained for UK travellers and holidaymakersNew EU hand luggage rules will guarantee one free personal item from October 2027, but larger cabin bags may still cost extra.Cumberland News · 19 Oct, 09:35
- New EU hand luggage rules explained for UK travellers and holidaymakersNew EU hand luggage rules will guarantee one free personal item from October 2027, but larger cabin bags may still cost extra.NW Evening Mail · 19 Oct, 09:35
In this story: European Union
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