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There are no more fees on your carry-on luggage across the EU. Credit: Yuliia Chyzhevska via Canva.com
The Transport Committee of Brussels Europe has announced that Airlines can no longer charge for standard cabin bags. The standard cabin bag is defined to be up to 7 kg in weight and 100 cm wide. Any additional item such as a laptop or handbag is also included and is not negotiable. This amendment, passed on June 24, 2025, reinforces a legal trend, and Spain, in particular, applies penalties of €179 million for abusive baggage charges.
This is not just red tape for travellers: this is a move towards fairness and clarity. There are no longer any sneaky carry-on charges at the gate. Airlines are now pushing back, so there’s no more guessing as to which airline will give a bag away for free. However, I believe that space and revenue concerns may be at play. Brussels’ message is clear: Your bag is included with the fare and is free.
What travellers have just won
Since years, flying in Europe has been a guessing match. Some airlines allow you to bring a bag with you and another personal item. Others charge extra for it. While few will wait until you reach the gate and then charge you an extra €30 to let your small suitcase on board
This week the EU Parliament’s committee on foreign affairs voted for a law to enshrine each traveller’s rights to:
- One could say that carry-on bag The maximum number of people who can be accommodated is 7kgThe. and below 100 cm total dimensions).
- One could say that Personal item (like a laptop bag, handbag or duty-free backpack).
It’s not about the money, it’s just about fairness and consistency. Budget flight passengers, especially those with limited flexibility such as seniors and families, are faced with unpredictability in baggage rules. As cabin luggage is now considered essential and not optional, you will be protected in your fundamental rights.
Spain fined airlines €179 million.
Spain didn’t wait for Brussels to act back in 2024; the Ministry of Consumer Affairs slapped a whopping €150 million in fines, an additional €29 million for violations, and targeted Ryanair, Vueling, easyJet, Volotea, and Norwegian for charging passengers extra to bring standard cabin bags.
Consumer groups saw this as an attempt to crackdown on hidden charges and restore transparency in airline prices.
Now, the Transport Committee of European Parliament has followed suit. They voted unanimously to ban hand luggage charges as well as define minimum baggage rights for all EU airlines.
Spain’s position has now political cover and could potentially strengthen enforcement not only nationally but also beyond borders.
What’s next and what is still undecided
It is not yet law. The European Parliament will vote on the proposed amendment for baggage rights.
The tension starts when it’s anticipated that, if the bill is approved, formal negotiations will be held with the European Union and the Council of the European Union.
- As the Council already passed the competing proposition on June 6, which would allow Airlines continue to charge for caps and bags under certain rules.
- This version was passed by a narrow margin and is the official Council position. It is directly in conflict with the new proposal from the parliament.
Both sides will enter trilogue discussions, in which the process of parliament, Council and Commission must be shared out. Until then, the controls will remain unchanged.
Carry-on bag fees can be charged by airlines unless the regulations are made at a national level. Spain is one example. The future of cabin baggage fees is still uncertain, but it’s finally changing.
What travelers should know about now
This is great news for travellers across Europe. If the law is adopted, it will come into effect in July 2025. Airlines across Europe will need to adapt and the consumer will finally have the right to travel without paying any extra fees with their carry-on luggage.
As of now, airlines can still charge for hand luggage unless national laws prohibit it, like those in Spain. This is a good reminder that travellers still have rights and can reclaim some space in the overhead compartments and elsewhere.
