A new EU rule is set to scrap extra hand luggage fees for passengers on every airline by standardising bag allowances on flights. The European Union (EU) Parliament Transport Committee has approved a proposal that will allow passengers to take a small carry-on bag and one personal item onboard all EU flights free of charge. This would apply to all airlines, including budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet, which often charge passengers extra to take additional bags onboard.

Under the new rule, all passengers would be allowed to bring one small hand luggage bag, measuring up to 100cm and weighing no more than 7kg, plus a small personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop, with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15cm, without having to pay extra.

The proposed law has been approved by the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee but it still requires approval from 55% of EU member states. If approved, the new rules would extend to all flights within the EU, as well as routes to and from the EU.

EU-based budget airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air and often charge passengers substantial hand luggage fees, depending on the size and weight of the bag, but if approved, the change would not only save passengers from these extra fees, it would also standardise size limits across all airlines so the same rules apply no matter which carrier you travel with.

The hand luggage proposal forms part of wider efforts by the EU to increase protections and rights for passengers, including plans to allow families to sit together on flights without incurring additional costs.

EU lawmakers voted to stop airlines from imposing seat selection charges for children aged 12 and under, as well as protections for passengers with reduced mobility.

The European Parliament said: “MEPs want to facilitate air travel by introducing common dimensions for hand luggage. Passengers should have a right to carry on board one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop (maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm), and one small hand luggage (maximum dimensions of 100 cm and 7 kg) without an additional fee.

“MEPs also want to ensure kids under 12 years old are seated next to their accompanying passenger free of charge. They also want more protections for persons with reduced mobility by making sure an accompanying person can travel with them free of charge, and adding a compensation right in case of loss/damage to mobility equipment or injury to an assistance animal.”

Rapporteur on enforcement of passenger rights Matteo Ricci added: “The agreed compromises protect all passengers, with special attention to persons with disabilities and reduced mobility, and introduce concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage up to a maximum size of 100cm, a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs.

“Increased transparency for intermediaries and strengthened enforcement bodies will ensure a fairer and more efficient system. Parliament is taking a strong position that defends citizens’ rights.”