Europe To Introduce Free Cabin Bags On All Flights By 2025, Eliminating Extra Charges On Airlines Like Lufthansa, Ryanair, EasyJet and Air France

Published on June 29, 2025

In a move that promises to reshape the air travel experience for millions, Europe is set to eliminate cabin bag fees by 2025. This proposal, backed by EU lawmakers, aims to standardize baggage rules across all airlines, including major carriers like Lufthansa, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Air France. By removing these extra charges, the EU intends to reduce the financial burden on passengers, offering significant savings for travelers who often face high fees for hand luggage. The new policy will guarantee all passengers the right to bring one cabin bag onboard at no additional cost, ensuring a more transparent and consumer-friendly flying experience throughout Europe.

Air travel in Europe is about to undergo a significant shift, with a new proposal that could put an end to the controversial practice of charging passengers for cabin bags. On June 24, 2025, EU lawmakers voted in favor of a proposal to eliminate these fees and standardize what passengers can bring onboard, no matter which airline they fly with. The move has the potential to save millions of travelers from paying additional fees, especially for hand luggage, by 2025.

This landmark decision comes in response to growing frustration among passengers, especially those using budget airlines, who have been forced to pay for carrying bags that don’t meet airlines’ often strict requirements. The new law aims to streamline air travel, ensure fairness across airlines, and provide a more predictable experience for European travelers.

The New Hand Luggage Rules in the EU

The European Parliament’s vote marks a turning point for air travel, as it would establish the following guidelines for hand luggage on all flights operating within the EU or arriving and departing from EU member states:

• Cabin bag size: Each passenger will be allowed to carry one cabin bag with a total dimension limit of 100 cm (length + width + height).
• Personal item: A small personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag, measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm, will also be allowed.
• Weight allowance: The combined weight of the cabin bag and personal item will be limited to 7 kg (15.4 lbs).
• No extra fees: Airlines will not be permitted to charge extra for cabin luggage, no matter the carrier.

This new standard would apply to all flights within the EU, as well as flights to and from the EU, ensuring uniformity across European air travel.

Why This Matters for Budget Travelers

For years, low-cost airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air have enforced strict policies on hand luggage, charging passengers extra fees of €20–€60 for carrying bags that exceed the allowed dimensions. This has led to frustration for travelers who were simply trying to pack efficiently for short trips or city breaks.

The proposal to ban such fees is seen as a win for consumers. Not only will it make travel cheaper, but it will also eliminate surprise charges at the airport. The EU’s push for change comes after Spain’s consumer watchdog fined five budget airlines €179 million in 2024 for “unfair” baggage fees, a decision that helped prompt the EU to take action.

A Snapshot of Current Airline Hand Luggage Rules

As of now, each airline in Europe has its own set of rules for cabin baggage, resulting in a confusing landscape for travelers. Here’s an overview of what passengers can expect when flying with popular EU carriers:

Budget travelers often face expensive fees if they wish to bring larger cabin bags. Many airlines offer “priority boarding” or “special bundles” that allow travelers to avoid these fees, but these options often come with additional costs.

A Broader Push for Improved Passenger Rights

The reform to eliminate cabin bag fees is part of a larger overhaul of passenger rights in the EU. Several other key changes are also in the works:

1. Free Seat Selection for Children: Airlines will no longer be able to charge seat selection fees for children under 12, ensuring that families can sit together without extra charges.
2. Transparent Pricing: Travel agencies and online booking platforms will be required to clearly show the total cost of flights upfront, including all service and baggage fees.
3. Expanded Compensation: Passengers will now be entitled to compensation if a delay causes them to miss a connection, even if the next leg of the journey is on a different transport service (such as a bus or train).

These reforms aim to create a more consumer-friendly air travel environment, making it easier for travelers to plan and budget for their trips.

The Debate Over “Free” Services

While many passengers welcome the proposal, not all industry stakeholders are pleased with the changes. Airlines argue that eliminating baggage fees takes away the flexibility and consumer choice, with some fearing it could lead to higher ticket prices to offset the lost revenue.

Airlines for Europe, an industry association, has argued that the new rules could result in passengers being forced to pay for services they may not need, essentially “bundling” the costs into the overall ticket price. They liken this to charging moviegoers for popcorn, even if they don’t want it.

Despite these concerns, many frequent flyers, especially those traveling on budget carriers, view the proposal as a much-needed reform that could lead to a more affordable and predictable air travel experience.

Timeline and What’s Next

The new rules still need final approval from the majority of EU member states. If the legislation moves forward, it is expected to take effect as early as mid-2025, allowing airlines some time to adjust their practices.

In the meantime, passengers should continue to check airline baggage policies when booking flights, especially when flying with budget carriers that may have stricter requirements.

Conclusion

The EU’s proposed hand luggage reforms aim to create a fairer, more transparent air travel experience. By standardizing cabin baggage allowances and eliminating extra fees, the EU is taking a significant step towards simplifying travel for millions of passengers. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a family traveler, or a budget-conscious tourist, the proposed changes promise to make air travel across Europe easier and more affordable.

Europe is poised to eliminate cabin bag fees by 2025, ensuring that all passengers, including those flying with airlines like Lufthansa, Ryanair, EasyJet, and Air France, can bring one cabin bag onboard without paying extra charges. This move aims to simplify air travel and reduce costs for millions of travelers.

If the proposal is approved, passengers can look forward to a new era of travel that prioritizes convenience and fairness. With these changes, flying within Europe could soon become a much smoother and more predictable experience.