In anticipation of this legislative initiative, Airlines for Europe (A4E)—a group representing seventeen major carriers—has already begun adjusting their policies to preempt the imposition of mandatory legal requirements. As part of this shift, Ryanair has announced it will increase the allowed size for personal items, raising the limit from the current 40 × 25 × 20 cm to 40 × 30 × 20 cm, and plans to update its airport luggage sizers in the coming weeks.
This policy shift also draws strength from a significant legal precedent. In 2014, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled (case C‑487/12) that reasonably sized carry-on luggage could not incur additional fees, as it was deemed an essential part of passenger transport. Lawmakers now view the new regulation as reinforcing that doctrine, aiming to completely eliminate surcharges on unchecked cabin baggage.
Still, the tightening of these rules has not gone uncriticized. Airlines warn that if they are unable to charge for this type of baggage, they may be forced to increase base ticket fares to offset the revenue loss. They also argue that more items in the overhead bins could complicate cabin space management, slow down boarding processes, and increase the risk of delays. There are also environmental concerns: allowing more luggage in the cabin could mean fewer bags in the hold, possibly resulting in higher CO₂ emissions due to weight redistribution.
Nonetheless, European transport officials like Matteo Ricci, Vice President of the Transport and Tourism Committee, support the measure as “a significant step toward fairer and more transparent travel,” protecting passengers from “unjustified fees” and eliminating unpleasant surprises at the time of booking.
The vote also includes other passenger-centric improvements, such as guaranteeing adjacent seating for children under 12 and companions of persons with reduced mobility, and enhancing refund and compensation procedures for flight cancellations or delays by simplifying forms and shortening response times.
For travelers, the introduction of these new rules promises greater clarity and peace of mind. The typical list of restrictions—varying sizes, unclear weight limits, and hidden fees—may soon be a thing of the past, drastically reducing confusion and delays at airports. Furthermore, standardization would allow for easier comparison of airfares, helping consumers make better-informed decisions.
In parallel, some airports have begun upgrading their security systems. In countries like the United Kingdom, airports such as Edinburgh and Birmingham have removed the 100 ml liquid limit thanks to the deployment of advanced CT (computed tomography) scanners. These allow passengers to carry up to 2 liters of liquid without removing containers or electronic devices from their luggage. However, this practice is not yet consistent across Europe, so travelers should still check airport-specific rules.
If the new regulation is implemented across all EU member states, the future could bring a more efficient, transparent, and coherent flying experience, with clear rules for both passengers and airlines. However, some experts warn that enforcing a single mandatory fare structure could reduce flexibility and limit the range of fare options currently available from different carriers.
Ultimately, the push for unified rules on carry-on luggage reflects a political will to protect consumers and eliminate confusing or abusive practices. Yet, balancing passenger rights, airline operational capacities, and environmental impact will require ongoing dialogue. Still pending full approval, this proposal marks the beginning of a new chapter in baggage management—one that could significantly enhance the air travel experience throughout Europe.
