Flyers in the European Union will soon benefit from new air passenger rights allowing them to take two free items of hand luggage into the plane cabin with them: a small personal item plus a small personal bag.
The first revision to the European Parliament’s relevant regulations in over two decades, the approved agreement enshrines “the right to carry on board, without additional fee, one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack,” and was signed on 2 October 2026. It is expected to come into force by 23 October 2027.
Under the change, which was brought in to create more certainty for flyers amid a plethora of different rules with different 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.
✈️ 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 should fit under the seat in front and can be brought into the cabin alongside another carry-on bag, weighing up to 7kg with maximum combined dimensions of 100cm.
Carriers have in the past objected to such measures, claiming they interfere with their right to offer different price structures and compete with other airlines on various perks and ancillary products. But the European Council has criticised the lack of transparency and confusion this can create.
To address those concerns, the Council has said the full price, including luggage fees, must be made clear up front on airline websites and intermediary platforms. “To create price transparency, airfares including allowance for a piece of hand baggage shall be displayed by default before the start of any booking process to facilitate fare comparisons between airfares,” the Council specified.
✍️ 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
In a concession to carriers, the Council has said that fares can be adjusted if passengers waive their right to the free luggage. “Negotiators agreed that airlines may offer cheaper tickets for passengers who choose voluntarily to travel without hand luggage,” it said.
For citizens of European countries outside of the Union, the picture may remain fragmented. Travellers from the United Kingdom for example, which since Brexit is considered a “third country” could still be required to pay for hand luggage on flights departing the UK. Airlines including easyJet and British Airways will only need to honour the new rules on return flights from EU departure points back to the UK.
