Flying in Europe? Say goodbye to hand luggage fees

After a decisive vote in, Brussels Europe’s Transport Committee has now begun to say loud and clear that Airlines cannot charge passengers for a standard cabin bag. This is defined as up to 7 kg and 100 cm in dimensions, and any additional personal item, such as a handbag or laptop, is also free and non-negotiable. This amendment, passed on June 24, 2025, reinforces a legal trend, and Spain, in particular, applies penalties of €179 million for abusive baggage charges. 

For travellers, this isn’t just any red tape: it’s a shift towards clarity and fairness, and there are no more sneaky carry-on fees at the gate. No more guessing which airline will allow a free bag, and now airlines are pushing back. However, I think space and revenue concerns are at play. Nevertheless, the message from Brussels is simple: your bag is included in the fare, and it is free. 

What travellers just won 

For years, flying within Europe has always been a guessing game. One airline would allow a carry-on bag and a personal item, while other airlines would count it as an extra. While few will wait until you reach the gate and then charge you an extra €30 to let your small suitcase on board

This week, the EU Parliament committee voted to pass a law that would enshrine every traveller’s right to bring: 

• One carry-on bag (up to 7kg, and under 100 cm total dimensions).
• One personal item (like a handbag, laptop, or duty-free bag).

This is without paying extra, and it’s not even the money; it’s about fairness and consistency. Especially for travellers with less flexibility, such as families and seniors, those on budget flights are now dealing with unpredictable baggage rules. With cabin baggage being considered essential rather than optional, your fundamental rights will not be monetised. 

Spain fined airlines €179 million.

Spain didn’t wait for Brussels to act back in 2024; the Ministry of Consumer Affairs slapped a whopping €150 million in fines, an additional €29 million for violations, and targeted Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Volotea, and Norwegian for charging passengers extra to bring standard cabin bags. 

Consumer groups viewed this move as a crackdown on hidden fees and an effort to restore transparency in airline pricing.

Now the European parliament’s Transport Committee has followed suit, voting overwhelmingly to outlaw hand luggage charges and define clear minimum baggage rights all across EU airlines. 

Spain’s position now has political cover, potentially strengthening enforcement not just nationally but also across borders. 

What’s next, and what’s still undecided 

The vote that was passed is the major step, but it’s not yet law. Next, the proposed baggage rights amendment will be put to a vote in the full European Parliament.

It’s expected that, if approved, it will go into formal negotiations with the European Union and the Council of the European Union, and that’s where the tension begins.

• Because the council already passed the competing proposal on June 6th, which would allow Airlines to continue charging for cap and baggage under certain rules. 
• That version passed narrowly and remains the official Council position, directly at odds with the parliament’s new proposal.

So, both sides will now enter trilogue negotiations, where the process of the parliament, Council, and Commission must share out the legal text. Until that happens, controls will remain unchanged. 

Airlines can still charge for carry-on bags unless they are regulated at the national level, as Spain has done. Travellers hoping for clear skies on cabin bag fees will have to wait, but the direction of travel is finally shifting. 

What travellers should know now?

This is a win for all travellers who are currently flying across Europe. While the law will be in effect, hopefully in July 2025 if it’s adopted, airlines across the EU will have to adjust, and consumers should finally receive the guarantee of a clear, enforceable right to travel with carry-on luggage free of all extra fees.

For now, airlines are still legally allowed to charge for hand luggage, unless prohibited by national laws, such as those in Spain. So, this is a reminder that basic rights still matter, and for once, travellers might be reclaiming some space overhead and otherwise.