Free carry-on luggage on flights and passenger rights
In recent months, the European Parliament has turned the spotlight on an issue that affects millions of travelers across Europe: the cost of carry-on luggage on low-cost airlines and the protection of passenger rights.
The proposal aims not only to ensure that carry-on baggage is included in the ticket price, but also to strengthen the rules on refunds and compensation for passengers in the event of disruptions.
Low-cost airlines, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, have built their business model around highly competitive base fares, adding extra charges for additional services, including carry-on luggage.
This approach has helped them attract millions of passengers, but it has also raised concerns about price transparency.
Currently, many travelers are forced to pay significant extra fees to bring a small suitcase or carry-on trolley, even though carry-on luggage is considered by many to be an essential part of any trip.
The European Parliament’s proposal
The European Parliament’s proposal aims to make carry-on luggage free and included in the price of the airline ticket.
According to Members of the European Parliament, this measure would help improve price transparency and protect consumer rights. Carry-on luggage is considered an essential part of travel and should not incur additional charges.
The other changes proposed by the European Parliament
In addition to the issue of carry-on luggage, Members of the European Parliament have put forward further proposals to improve the passenger experience.
Among these, the most notable are:
Children under 12: Ensuring that children can sit next to their accompanying adult free of charge.
Passengers with reduced mobility: Stronger protections for travelers with disabilities, ensuring that an accompanying person can travel with them free of charge. The proposal also includes the right to compensation in case of lost or damagedmobility equipment, or injury to a service animal.
Refunds and Compensation: new rules for intermediaries
Another key aspect of the proposal concerns passenger rights in cases of cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding. The draft regulation also clarifies the role of intermediaries (such as ticket sellers or resellers) in the refund process.
Here are the main proposed changes:
Cost transparency: Intermediaries will be required to inform passengers at the time of booking about the total price of the flight ticket, any service or intermediary fees, and the refund procedure.
Faster refund procedures: Refunds must be processed within 14 days. If an intermediary fails to meet this deadline, the airline will be required to issue the refund within seven days.
Standard form for compensation and refunds: MEPs support the introduction of a standardized form to simplify claims for compensation and refunds. In addition, airlines will be required to send passengers a pre-filled form or activate automated communication channels within 48 hours of the service disruption.
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1
Send the claim request
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2
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3
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Refly.org: The solution for Refunds and Compensation
For passengers looking to quickly claim a refund or compensation for travel disruptions, Refly is a reliable and effective solution.
The platform guides travelers through the claim process, simplifying form submission and ensuring compliance with the timelines set by the new regulations.
Thanks to automated tools and a team of experts, Refly guarantees that passenger rights are fully protected.
How much is the compensation?
£220
The £220 compensation for a canceled flight specifically applies to flights under 1500 km.
£350
The £350 compensation for a canceled flight applies to flights between 1500 km and 3500 km.
£520
The £520 compensation for a canceled flight applies to flights over 3500 km.
Multimodal Travel: New EU Regulations
Finally, the proposal includes new regulations on passenger rights for multimodal travel, which involves at least two modes of transport (such as air-bus or train-air combinations).
These regulations aim to provide greater protection for travelers using combinations of transport modes, facilitating the compensation process in case of disruptions.
In particular, the proposal would allow passengers to claim compensation for the entire journey, regardless of the number of carriers involved.
The Airlines' Reactions
Low-cost airlines have expressed concerns about the proposal, highlighting that it could lead to a general increase in fares.
According to them, the current model allows travelers to choose only the services they need, keeping base fares low.
Including carry-on luggage in the ticket price could therefore reduce flexibility and increase costs for all passengers, regardless of whether they are traveling with luggage or not.
Economic and Social Impacts of the New Proposal
The European Parliament’s initiative has sparked a broader debate on balancing transparency, consumer rights, and the economic sustainability of airlines.
If the proposal is approved, it could have a significant impact on the aviation sector, potentially reshaping the business model of low-cost airlines.
Moreover, it could affect ticket prices and competition among airlines, with potential consequences for travelers.
Impacts on Travelers
The approval of the proposal could therefore have several consequences for passengers, both positive and negative.
Here are the main ones:
Increase in ticket prices: Airlines may try to offset the loss of revenue from offering free carry-on luggage by raising base fares. This could make flights less affordable for budget-conscious travelers.
Greater transparency: Including carry-on baggage in the ticket price would eliminate hidden fees and make the total cost of the trip clearer, helping consumers better compare offers across different airlines.
Reduced flexibility: Currently, travelers who don’t need carry-on luggage can choose cheaper fares. With mandatory inclusion of carry-on baggage, this flexibility could be limited.
Improved travel experience: Allowing free carry-on luggage could reduce the stress caused by restrictions and unexpected fees, leading to a better overall experience for passengers.
Possible boarding delays: With more passengers bringing carry-on luggage, the time needed for boarding and storing bags in the overhead compartments may increase, potentially causing delays.
Competition among airlines: Traditional carriers could benefit from the proposal, as their business model already includes carry-on luggage in the ticket price. This may increase competition with low-cost airlines.
Reduction of additional services: To keep prices competitive, low-cost airlines may reduce the quality or availability of certain services, such as seat selection or in-flight catering.
The proposal therefore represents an important step toward stronger consumer rights protection, but it could also bring significant changes to how travelers plan and experience their journeys.
It will be essential to closely monitor the effects of these measures to ensure a balance between transparency, accessibility, and economic sustainability for all parties involved.
In addition to transparency on hand luggage fees, the new rules on refunds, compensation, and multimodal travel aim to make air transport fairer and more accessible.
Thanks to Refly, travelers can face disruptions with greater peace of mind, knowing they have an ally to help defend their rights.
And what do you think? Do these measures represent a step forward in protecting travelers' rights?
ReFly operates in accordance with regulations
related to passenger rights
Only a few air travelers are aware of their rights, and many of them lack the legal understanding necessary to claim compensation for flight delays. Even if they are aware of their rights, the process of requesting compensation from airlines can be challenging.
