Flyers in the European Union will soon benefit from new air passenger rights allowing them to take a personal item into the plane cabin at no extra cost, while requiring fares that include a separate cabin bag to be displayed by default.
The first major revision of EU air passenger rights legislation in over two decades, the regulation guarantees the right to carry a personal item on board at no extra cost. It was signed on 16 September 2026 and published on 2 October. It enters into force on 22 October 2026 and will apply from 23 October 2027.
Under the change, which was brought in to create more certainty for flyers amid a plethora of different rules across airlines, carriers will be obliged to permit passengers to carry a piece of hand baggage into the cabin. However, this remains subject to the capacity of the aircraft cabin, meaning some bags may have to be checked in at no additional cost.
✈️ Stronger EU air passenger rights regarding: 🧳 Transparent fares & luggage rules 💶 Claims procedures ⏱️ Protection in case of delays & cancellations ♿ Rights for passengers with reduced mobility 🚫 No more “no-show” penalties on return flights 🔗 https://t.co/wNOBgqi7eO https://t.co/mpYsMCzGBP
— EU Publications (@EUPublications) October 2, 2026
The free personal item must meet safety and security requirements and either measure no more than 40 × 30 × 15 cm or fit under the seat in front. It can be brought into the cabin alongside another carry-on bag, subject to the applicable fare and the airline’s baggage policy. The final regulation does not establish a common 7 kg weight limit or maximum combined dimensions of 100 cm for that separate bag.
The legislation preserves airlines’ freedom to offer different price structures while introducing clearer requirements for displaying fares that include hand baggage.
To improve transparency, the regulation requires airlines and intermediaries to display fares including a hand baggage allowance by default before the booking process begins, making comparisons easier.
✍️ And it’s law! 🇪🇺 On behalf of the Council, I joined @EP_President in signing two pieces of legislation into law, which will: ✈️ Strengthen air passenger rights 🛃 Reform the EU Customs Code to introduce new rules for e-commerce and establish a new EU Customs Authority https://t.co/fUEOg7Km4y
— Thomas Byrne (@ThomasByrneTD) September 16, 2026
For flights involving European countries outside the Union, the picture may remain fragmented. Coverage depends on the departure airport and operating carrier, rather than the passenger’s nationality. Travellers departing from the United Kingdom, for example, which since Brexit is considered a third country, could still be required to pay for hand luggage. UK carriers, including easyJet UK and British Airways, will need to honour the new rules on flights departing from EU airports to the UK. Flights from the UK to the EU operated by an EU carrier can also be covered, subject to the regulation’s conditions.
