The European Union is set to impose a new rule affecting Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air flights, while British Airways and Jet2 remain unaffected. In a significant policy shift, the European Parliament has clarified and improved travellers' entitlements regarding cabin baggage.
New Carry-On Baggage Rules
The shake-up will require airlines to allow passengers to take two pieces of cabin baggage on board without paying extra. Airlines will be obligated to always display the air fare inclusive of carry-on luggage at the outset of the booking process, the European Union has confirmed.
Airlines expected to be largely unaffected include British Airways, Jet2, Air France, and KLM, as all four carriers already permit two items of cabin baggage.
Potential Cost Impact
However, the move is likely to add between £20 and £40 to existing one-way fares on easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, according to ITV star Simon Calder, the Telegraph's travel expert.
Industry Reactions
Airlines for Europe (A4E), representing major carriers including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair, has branded the new rules as “a missed opportunity for a balanced reform.” The organisation claims the rules fail to deliver what passengers care about most: getting to their destination on time and having the freedom to opt for the services that matter to them.
A4E stated earlier this week: “Maintaining the current delay compensation rules will not reduce or prevent delays and cancellations, most of which are outside airline control. Obliging airlines to artificially inflate prices by including the cost of hand baggage in the displayed airfare contradicts established EU law protecting opt-ins instead of opt-outs.”
Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association, added that the new rules “will not reduce delays” and that the package of changes “will create operational challenges and add costs which will ultimately be borne by passengers.”
