Approaching Change in EU Flight Hand Luggage Policy?

Approaching Change in EU Flight Hand Luggage Policy?

European air travel could soon cost more as regulations are proposed to restrict free hand luggage on flights within the EU. The European Parliament is currently discussing changes to Regulation (EU) 261/2004, a two-decade-old law protecting air passenger rights, which could drastically reduce travel freedoms, especially regarding carry-on baggage.

The first stage of these controversial reforms was endorsed by the Council of the European Union on June 5, signaling a potential shift in travel trends for millions of passengers. If approved, the reform would eliminate free carry-on baggage of standard sizes, forcing travelers to pay extra fees and adding to the cost of European travel. Not all EU countries support this proposal, with Germany, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain voicing strong opposition.

Air passenger rights expert Anton Radchenko, CEO of AirAdvisor, explains the proposal effectively redefines "free carry-on baggage" as a personal item no larger than 40x30x15 cm, fitting comfortably under the seat in front. Radchenko warns that this revision threatens the work of national consumer protection authorities and could transform once basic rights into paid privileges.

Critics argue that the reform undermines years of progress in safeguarding consumer rights in Europe. It risks rolling back protections, particularly during a time of increasing flight delays and interruptions across the continent. According to AirAdvisor and other consumer protection bodies, around 60% of passengers could see their rights diminished, even in circumstances where they are unfairly impacted by cancellations, delays, and exorbitant airline fees. This hardship will be most acutely felt by travelers on medium and long-haul routes in Europe.

In addition to charging for carry-on luggage, the new regulations propose other contentious measures. One such measure is the return of the infamous "no-show rule," which allows airlines to automatically cancel a passenger's return flight if they miss their outbound flight.

Another alarming proposal is the drastic reduction in compensation for flight delays or cancellations. Experts warn that this significant setback will make it more difficult for passengers to recover losses caused by flight disruptions.

If the new text gains approval, consumers may be left unprotected in the face of increasing issues within European aviation, creating an environment ripe for industry abuses and eroding trust in the EU's air transport system. The current rules are in place to maintain order and accountability within the industry. Weakening these standards sends the message that passengers' time and inconvenience no longer matter.

These changes have sparked strong reactions within the industry and among consumer protection associations. If adopted, the proposal could represent both a financial and symbolic blow to consumer protections within the European Union.

[1] European Parliament (n.d.). Regulation (EU) 261/2004 - Passenger Rights. Available: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/regulations/enumerate/ENTER/2004/0182/EN/TEXT_EN.html[2] Strict, A. (2021, May 20). Controversial changes to EU air passenger rights rules dismissed by Europes passengers rights group. The Independent. Available: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/eu-passenger-rights-change-airplane-b7824456.html[3] Reuters Staff. (2021, May 20). Passengers to be hit by end of free luggage on short-haul EU flights, says group. Reuters. Available: https://www.reuters.com/world/Europe/eu-ministers-back-end-free-luggage-short-haul-flights-2021-05-20/[4] Kelner, F. (2021, May 17). "No show rule" and other new air passenger rights rules under review by the EU. The Guardian. Available: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2021/may/17/no-show-air-passenger-rights-eu-council-meeting

1. The proposed European Parliament reform, if approved, could significantly impact travelers as it aims to abolish free carry-on luggage on short-haul flights within the EU, transforming basic travel rights into paid privileges.
2. As part of the reform, the "no-show rule" could make a comeback, allowing airlines to automatically cancel a passenger's return flight if they miss their outbound flight, potentially adding to the inconvenience and financial burden of European travel.
3. The drastic reduction in compensation for flight delays or cancellations, another proposal in the reform, is a concern for many, as it could make it more challenging for European travelers to recover losses caused by disruptions in air travel.

Read also: