Before flying to Europe, make sure you know this new carry-on luggage rule
While the European Union aims to be on the side of the passenger, it’s good to stay up to date with changes to the laws.
Summer is here and if you’re flying to Europe, double-check your carry-on bag before heading to the airport - because a big change is on the way, even if it’s not quite landed just yet.
European lawmakers have voted to simplify the sometimes confusing of hand luggage rules across airlines, especially low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet. Anyone who has traveled with them will be more than aware of the bold reminders not to be stung with a fine at the departure desk for carrying on too much.
What is the new EU carry-on proposal?
If the rule is fully approved by EU member states, all flights to, from, and within the EU would have to allow one cabin bag (up to 100 cm or 39 inches total dimensions, weighing no more than 7 kg or 15.4 lbs) and one small under-seat item (up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm or 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches) free of charge.
At the moment, many budget airlines only allow a small under-seat bag for free. Worse still, there’s been no standard sizing – so a bag that fits on one airline might get flagged (and charged) on another.
Even better is the news is that some airlines are already adjusting. Ryanair says it’s increasing the size limit for under-seat bags to 40 x 30 x 20 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 inches) in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, an industry group representing top European airlines has agreed to the 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches) baseline for personal items.
For many, this should reduce the pre-boarding stress when you know you’ve packed close to the limit. On the other hand, does it just mean an overall rise in prices to compensate for profits?
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