Airlines for Europe (A4E), a European airline association, has announced its support for the EU proposal to standardise personal cabin bags with dimensions (40x30x15 centimetres) included in the basic fees.
“Baggage rules must be simple and transparent, that’s why we proactively adopted the standard minimum dimensions agreed by Member States in June,” said Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines4Europe (A4E).
According to A4E, most of its members already include a personal item “that far exceeds the proposed size.” The association also cited data showing that passengers “would rather pay a lower basic fare, which includes a single, small carry-on, with an additional cost for larger hand luggage.” A4E stated that this contradicts the European Parliament’s proposal to include a second cabin ban in the basic ticket fare.
“Passengers now have more clarity and can continue to choose between airlines offering this standard or a bigger size. This decision both listens to consumers’ needs and is grounded in how airlines operate in practice. The polar opposite of the overzealous proposal to offer a ‘free’ second cabin bag,” explained Georgoutsakou.
For A4E, allowing passengers to choose whether to bring a carry-on represents “a common-sense step.” The association argues that it will ensure transparency and consistency without driving ticket prices up, increasing aircraft emissions due to heavier loads, and causing longer boarding times.
However, the airline association has been in strong opposition to the Members of the European Parliament’s proposal to allow all passengers to bring a trolley hand luggage free of charge. Airlines for Europe noted that if this amendment is passed, it will “override the commercial freedom of airlines guaranteed under EU legislation and needlessly impose a service on travellers who prefer to fly light.”
On 13 October 2025, the European Parliament Committee on Transport and Tourism said that all passengers should have the right to carry one personal item, such as a backpack or a handbag that fits under the seat in front, as well as one “small piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 100 centimetres, weighing no more than 7 kilograms.
This move comes after Ryanair has increased staff rewards for detecting oversized luggage, in an effort to enforce its existing baggage rules strictly. Starting 1 November 2025, Ryanair staff will see their bonus for detecting oversized bags increase from €1.50 to €2.50 per identified bag, according to Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary.
