EU: New flight rules – free carry-on baggage

The European Parliament has adopted new rules that will require airlines to include carry-on baggage in the base ticket price, a move designed to enhance passenger rights. This decision updates regulations that have remained unchanged since 2004 and aims to standardize baggage policies across the EU.

The agreement, approved on Monday, seeks to protect passengers from various travel disruptions, including denied boarding, delays, and cancellations. The European Parliament stated in a press release that the updated framework is intended to provide clearer and more robust protections for air travelers.

However, the airline industry has expressed concerns that this mandate could result in higher ticket prices. Carriers argue that incorporating carry-on baggage into the ticket cost without allowing for separate charges might force them to increase overall fares to compensate for the loss of ancillary revenue. The full impact of these new regulations on air travel costs and passenger experience is yet to be determined.