How The EU Banning Hand Luggage Fees Might Affect Low-Cost Carriers

While Europe is full of legacy airlines and flag carriers with long and diverse histories, low-cost operators also make up a considerable proportion of the current market. All across the continent, budget airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air are known for ferrying guests from A to B for lower prices than anyone else, albeit with the caveat that passengers have to pay extra for most of their useful amenities.

A big sticking point on this front in recent years has been hand luggage. While many airlines previously allowed passengers to bring a carry-on bag, such as a small suitcase, and a personal item, such as a small rucksack or handbag, as standard, some have since begun charging for the former in order to expedite turnarounds and generate more revenue. Now, however, the EU looks set to ban the practice.

As reported yesterday by Euro News, lawmakers at the European Union have voted in favor of legislation that will prevent airlines from charging passengers extra for hand luggage. Specifically, the proposal will force carriers to allow passengers to bring a piece of hand luggage onboard for no extra cost in addition to their personal item. The weight limit for the former of these will be set at 7 kg (15.4 lbs).

The bill's lead sponsor was Matteo Ricci, who serves as the Vice President of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism. He welcomed the vote, describing it as "an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel," while adding that increased free hand luggage allowances are "a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs." However, Airlines For Europe ( A4E) has spoken out against it, with Ourania Georgoutsakou, the advocacy group's Managing Director, stating that:

"Europe’s airline market is built on choice. Forcing a mandatory trolley bag strips passengers of that choice and obliges passengers to pay for services they may not want or need."

As part of the EU's proposed legislation, passengers' free hand luggage allowance would consist of a personal item measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm and a larger bag with maximum dimensions of 100 cm. For passengers who have grown tired of having to pay for just about every possible extra amenity when traveling with low-cost carriers, the proposed changes, at face value, look set to benefit guests.

However, Airlines For Europe has warned that airlines may be forced to increase their fares to cover the costs that would previously have been soaked up by passengers individually paying for their second piece of hand luggage.

This could negatively impact those who prefer to travel with just a personal item. A4E added that "the European Parliament should let travellers decide what services they want, what services they pay for and, importantly, what services they don’t."

A ban on charging passengers extra for hand luggage could also have an operational impact on Europe's low-cost carriers. Airlines like Ryanair pride themselves on their short turnarounds (as little as 25 minutes, as covered below), with their hand luggage policies playing a key role. By limiting how many guests have carry-on bags, they can be sure that they won't have to spend time checking any in at the gate due to the overhead bins being full, a situation that could otherwise arise.

Apart from saving money, a quick turnaround time also helps Ryanair meet its sustainability goals.

While the potential for the EU to ban airlines from charging extra for hand luggage will certainly raise eyebrows, such legislation is yet to come into force. A spokesperson for easyJet told Simple Flying that "the recent decision (...) is still under discussion and needs to be further negotiated with the Member States before it becomes European law. Airlines' current policies, therefore, remain unchanged."

Likewise, an Airlines For Europe spokesperson confirmed that "negotiations with the EU member states and a full vote in the parliament are still to come." The advocacy group added that "MEPs will revisit passenger rights again in the autumn in detail when the revision of the EU261 Regulation returns to the European Parliament."

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Next it will be hold baggage, food & drink. So all airlines will become full service.

And the prices will raise to reflect that.

But if checked baggage was free, maybe there would be less people trying to sneak oversized luggage and duffel bags into the overhead bins. It is disgusting what people think they need to have available during flight - slowing down boarding.

martyn

You can be assured that it'll bever happen in the U.S. Americans just don't do luxury.

I wish all airlines would only offer business and first class, obviously with lounge access included. That should make business healthier...

This preliminary vote is a continuation of another anti-ULCC measures the EUhad taken, the flat-rate compensation for delays

Indeed, if flying Ryanair on a very cheap fare, more than 3 hours delay means one is entitled to a compensation amounting to several times the fare paid while for traditional full-fare carriers this is proportionnally much less

Basically, it is saying it is normal for someone to pay less for a lottery ticket while keeping the same chances of winning the same amount as the one who pays the full price - no EU lottery does this nonsense

The entire notion that “fares will rise” is disingenuous. Fare will rise to reflect a rebundling, which most people are paying anyway. Let’s be clear, unbundling is not about consumer choice. It’s about revenue maximization.

@Randy for some of us it’s about not being interested in waiting for bags at baggage claim and not trusting the airlines to not mishandle our bags, leaving with our stuff. If the airlines don’t want us carrying things on then they should just remove the overhead bins.

Just another example of liberal government overreach.

Is that your excuse for any regulation that benefits people over companies?

Do you also object the one FA per 50 installed seats rule? Or the amount of hours a pilot can fly on single stint?

Widebody in trouble as a Tokyo-bound United 777 returns to base.

Turkish Airlines is currently the sole airline offering nonstop flights from Istanbul to Atlanta, San Francisco, and Denver.

Delta is fighting back against Alaska Airlines, adding even more service to Europe in an attempt to win market share.

Alaska has acquired some very desirable assets.

This follows the tragedy of Air India Flight 171.

The carrier has faced competitive challenges in these markets.