New EU rules on carry-on luggage from October 2027: what will be free and what will not
The European Union has finally adopted new rules regarding passenger rights in air transport. Although it has often been mentioned in recent days that every passenger will receive a free cabin bag of up to 7 kilograms, the final text of the regulation nevertheless brings about a different solution.
The new rules will begin to be applied October 23, 2027.
Small personal belongings remain guaranteed free of charge
Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 clearly stipulates the right of passengers to one personal item without additional charge. This can be a small backpack, bag, or laptop bag.
The reference dimensions are stated as 40 × 30 × 15 centimeters, That is, the object must be able to fit under the seats in front of the passengers.
With larger pieces of hand luggage, the situation is different. The final regulation does not include the previously proposed universal limit of 7 kilograms and a total dimensions of 100 centimeters. Airlines will still be able to determine their own reasonable dimensions and weight of cabin luggage and must clearly display them to the passenger.
The way the ticket price is displayed is changing
For airlines, travel agencies, OTA platforms, and metasearch services, a change related to price display may be even more important: Before the start of the booking process, the fare that includes a piece of carry-on baggage will have to be displayed as the default option. However, carriers will still be able to offer a cheaper fare to passengers who voluntarily choose to travel without that additional piece of luggage.
In other words, the EU has not simply abolished the charge for cabin baggage. The goal is primarily to enable a more transparent comparison of actual prices between carriers.
The rules do not depend on the passengers' nationality
Geographical application is also important. The rules apply to passengers departing from an airport in the EU, regardless of their nationality. For flights from third countries to the EU, they apply when the flight is operated by an EU-based airline.
This means that Brexit itself does not determine whether a British traveler has a specific right. The direction of the trip and the carrier are crucial.
Almost a year of preparation awaits the sales systems and travel agencies. By October 2027, booking flows, fare displays and baggage information will have to be aligned with the new European rules.
