Filenews 4 June 2025
A revision of the rules on airline passenger charges is on the agenda of today's meeting of the EU's 27 ambassadors in Brussels. And the revision, if adopted, includes the charging of certain cabin baggage carried in the cabins of planes and the revision of the standard for compensation for delays.
According to a report by Euronews yesterday, the latest proposal on the negotiating table of member states allows for a free item of hand luggage, but it will have to fit under the seat. In other words, the other, larger personal items in the cabin are likely to be charged.
"The European Court of Justice has made it clear that hand luggage is an integral part of the basic ticket price. Normally, there is no price surcharge as long as the hand luggage is a reasonable size," says Steven Berger, a lawyer at the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC).
"All we see is a multiplication of airlines charging for this luggage (...) We are asking for very clear rules. Passengers must be able to take a piece of luggage, a small suitcase or a backpack," he adds.
European airlines have a different interpretation of case law. Kevin Heaney, Director of Communications at A4E (Airlines for Europe), points out that "under European law and the single market, airlines have the right to unbundle their services in order to offer the best possible package to passengers."
"I think it's important to stress that what the Poles' current proposal (the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU) does is to define the dimensions of these personal belongings, so as to ensure clarity and transparency for all passengers, as well as for airlines," Heiny continues.
Last November, Spain convicted five airlines of abusive practices regarding cabin baggage charges. The fine of €179 million relates, among other things, to surcharges for cabin baggage.
