EUROPE: Carry on bags to become free on low-cost carriers

Budget carriers like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air have built their ultra-low headline fares on optional extras, especially baggage fees. But now the European Parliament has taken a strong stance in favour of passengers being allowed to bring more on board for free — and it has triggered a fierce reaction from the airlines.

The new EU proposal

European lawmakers have voted in favour of changes to the EU’s air passenger rights rules that would give every passenger the right to bring both a personal item such as a handbag, backpack or laptop bag plus a small carry-on bag up to 7 kg and 100cm overall.

That means the days of ‘£21 flights’ that turn into £40-plus once you add a small suitcase could be numbered.

Supporters of the move say it tackles confusing pricing and unfair charges, and puts a cap on a practice seen as punitive rather than helpful for travellers.

Groups pushing for reform argue that free hand luggage shouldn’t be treated as a luxury. In a recent survey, nearly 9 in 10 passengers said hand luggage should be included in the ticket price under aligned EU rules. Surprise, surprise!

Au contraire, say Airlines

Not surprisingly, Europe’s biggest budget airlines have fought back hard.

EasyJet’s chief executive has dismissed the idea, warning that giving every passenger a carry-on bag free of charge would push fares up and slow down operations. The airline says most aircraft can currently accommodate only about two-thirds of passengers’ bags, meaning that if more people bring bags, some would have to be offloaded into the hold, adding time, cost, and delays.

Budget carriers argue the current model, where bags, seats and priority boarding are optional extras, lets travellers choose what they pay for. A survey commissioned by airline lobby groups found that many passengers share this view and don’t favour bundled fares that include everything.

A real consumer-rights vs. low-cost model clash

At the heart of this isn’t just hand luggage, it’s the way ultra-low-cost flying works in Europe. Let me explain.

Budget airlines like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air rely heavily on ancillary revenue, from fees for bags, seats, priority boarding, etc., to keep the base fares low.

Consumer watchdogs have called airline pricing ‘opaque’ and misleading. The UK’s advertising regulator recently banned EasyJet from advertising cabin bag fees of ‘£5.99’, finding the lowest fare rarely reflects what travellers actually pay.

Advocates for passengers argue the current patchwork of rules allows airlines to incentivise ultra-low base fares and then recoup costs through a web of add-ons that many travellers feel forced to buy. Standardising free cabin bags could simplify bookings and protect consumers from surprise charges.

The aviation industry’s argument is that low base fares are only possible because airlines can unbundle services and charge for extras. Remove that flexibility, and the ‘cheapest flights in Europe’ might become a thing of the past.

Not quite a done deal yet, the current state of play

The European Parliament’s position now goes to the European Council, made up of member states, for negotiation. It’s not final yet, so the EU has not banned baggage fees outright yet. The idea is on the table, but there are still some hurdles before it becomes law.

2PAXfly Takeout

I am not a fan of ultra-low-cost airlines. I am lucky I can afford not to be. But, when I have tried to book such a fare, usually in Australia, the so-called ‘savings’ on the headline fare just don’t add up, once I include all the extras I regard as essential. I’m talking cabin luggage, seat selection, food and drink, etc. So, in my view, many low-cost fares are really smoke and mirrors.

This is not always the case, and sometimes, you can get a real bargain.

However, I tend to support this EU move. My view is that almost nobody travels without any luggage, so a minimum of 7 kg should be part of the headline airfare, as it more accurately reflects the true cost that most travellers will pay. I view deconstructed airfares, much like their restaurant dish equivalents, with suspicion.

I also think this will lead to far simpler baggage rules for low-cost airlines.

Anyway, we will see, because the plus-size lady has yet to sing.

Expect an update to this story once the EU has made its decision.