Brits will soon be able to take a personal bag on EU flights for free under new airline rules, but a major departure catch means not every trip is covered
Brits heading off on holiday will soon have the right to take a small bag on board their flight for free. Under new rules, passengers flying in Europe with budget airlines including Ryanair and easyJet will be able to take one personal item into the cabin at no extra cost.
The universal rule has been designed to make confusing baggage allowances much clearer and flight prices far easier to compare before you book.
Under the changes, the free personal bag must measure no more than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, or be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. This could be a handbag or a small rucksack.
However, airlines will still be entitled to set their own baggage policies and offer different prices for travellers who choose to fly without a larger hand-luggage allowance, reports the Express.
The new rule will officially apply from October 23, 2027, after being published in the EU’s Official Journal on October 2.
Airlines must display fares that automatically include an allowance for a piece of hand luggage by default before you start the booking process.
However, carriers are still allowed to offer cheaper fares without that allowance included, meaning it remains the passenger’s responsibility to double-check what is actually included in their ticket.
Although the update means holidaymakers will be able to take one small item for free, it does not establish a single EU-wide size or weight allowance for a larger cabin suitcase. Individual airlines will still hold flexibility over their wider baggage policies.
And if safety or space concerns pop up on the day, these small bags may still be required to be moved down to the hold, though no extra charges will be added.
Crucially for UK jet-setters, the rules are based on where the flight departs from and will only apply to passengers departing from airports inside the EU.
This means for many Brits, the departure airport will be crucial when checking extra baggage charges.
Just because a flight is leaving the UK, it will not automatically be covered simply because it is heading to an EU destination.
Passengers are strongly advised to continue checking the baggage allowance and fee rules for every individual flight and return journey.