The End of Cabin Bag Fees on EU Airlines? It’s Not All Good News
We’ve all been there. You find a ridiculously cheap flight—say, €25 to Lisbon, and you’re ready to book. Then you get to the checkout. Suddenly, adding a small cabin bag for your weekend trip bumps the price to €70. It’s infuriating. Well, some good news might be on the horizon: the European Union is looking to get rid of those sneaky hand luggage fees. But before you start planning to haul your life’s possessions on board for free, there’s a pretty big catch. Airlines are already hinting that if they can’t charge for bags, they’ll just bake that cost into the ticket price. So, is this a win for us, or just moving the cost? I’ve done the research so you don’t have to, because it’s a bit more complicated than it looks. ✈️
The EU Steps In: The War on Hand Luggage Fees
Airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air have mastered the art of the low base fare. They lure you in with a number that looks too good to be true, because it often is. These extra fees can turn a €30/£25/$33 flight into a €60/£50/$65 headache fast. It feels like a bait-and-switch, and the EU’s transport committee agrees. They’ve voted to ban these extra charges, pushing for a standard where a reasonably sized cabin bag and a personal item are included in your ticket. On the surface, it’s a huge victory. But don’t celebrate just yet. The airlines are already talking about raising their base fares to make up for the lost revenue. So while the fee might disappear from the checkout page, your wallet might not feel much of a difference.
So, Why Do They Charge for Bags in the First Place?
Let’s be real, those fees feel personal. But it’s not just a scheme to ruin your holiday spirit, it’s a brutally effective business model. For budget airlines, ancillary fees (that’s the industry jargon for “extras”) are everything. They are how these companies turn a profit. By keeping the ticket price absurdly low, they get you in the door. Then, they make their money on things you can’t go without, like a bag, or things you’d rather have, like picking your own seat. If the EU takes away one of their biggest moneymakers, they aren’t just going to absorb the loss. They’ll find another way to get that money, and the most obvious move is simply a higher ticket price for everyone.
💡 Fact: It’s big money. Ancillary fees aren’t just a side hustle for these airlines; they can account for up to 40-50% of their total revenue. That’s a massive chunk of cash to lose.
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The Nuts and Bolts of the Plan
Before you start dreaming of your next trip, here’s the lowdown on what the EU is pushing for. The goal is to create one simple, clear set of rules across the board. If the proposal becomes law, you’d be entitled to:
One cabin bag (up to a certain size and weight, likely around 7kg).
One personal item (like a handbag or laptop bag) that can slide under the seat in front of you.
- No extra fees
And the best part? No hidden fees for either. This would apply to any flight operating within the EU, regardless of the airline. Sounds simple, right? Airlines argue it actually limits your freedom. What if you want that rock-bottom fare and are happy to travel with just a small backpack? This change could force you to pay for a bag you didn’t even want to bring.
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How This Could Actually Affect Your Travel Budget
Let’s talk money. Right now, a cabin bag can cost anywhere from €10-€50/£8-£42/$11-$54. If that fee goes away, the cost has to go somewhere. Imagine that instead of seeing a €30/£25/$33 flight with a €20/£17/$22 bag option, you just see a €50/£42/$54 flight. No way to opt out. If you’re someone who always takes a cabin bag, you break even, it’s just more transparent. But if you’re a minimalist packer, you’re now subsidising everyone else’s luggage. I remember a flight to Dublin where I smugly packed into a tiny backpack to save €20/£17/$22, and this change would make that impossible. The savvy packers could end up losing out. 💸
💡 Fact: Ryanair raked in over €4.5 billion/£3.8 billion/$4.9 billion from extras in 2024. That’s a lot of bags!
🗺️ Speaking of saving money: Travel Smart: How to Avoid Paying Bank Fees While Travelling
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What Are Airlines Saying About It?
Airlines aren’t exactly throwing a party over this. Budget giants like Wizz Air and Ryanair say banning fees will:
Cut your options (no more super-cheap, bag-free fares).
Slow boarding (more bags = more chaos).
Push prices up (they’ve got to make money somehow).
I’ve seen gate agents wrestling with overstuffed bins, it’s not pretty. I also remember having to put my bag near the back of the plane, while I was sat at the front! Airlines claim this could make flying less efficient, and they’re not wrong to worry. But will you really save, or just pay differently? That’s the million-euro question. 🛫
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So, Is This Really a Win for Travellers?
It honestly depends on what kind of traveller you are. If you find the fee system confusing and always end up paying for a bag anyway, then yes, this could simplify things and feel fairer. But if you’ve mastered the art of packing light to snag the cheapest possible fare, like on my last quick trip to Belfast, you might feel penalised. You’ll be paying more for the same light-travel experience, all while watching the boarding process descend into madness. For me, the jury is still out.
What About Non-EU Airlines?
Here’s where it gets murky. The rules would apply to EU carriers and flights within the bloc, but what about airlines from outside the EU? A British Airways flight from London to Berlin, for instance, could get tangled in post-Brexit red tape. You can’t just assume the rules will be the same for everyone. The key takeaway, now and in the future, is to never assume. Always, always double-check an airline’s specific baggage policy before you hit “purchase.”
Don’t Change Your Packing Habits Just Yet
This proposal is still just that, a proposal. It has to be approved by all the EU member states, and you can bet the airline lobbyists are working overtime to fight it. If it does get the green light, we probably wouldn’t see any changes until July / August 2025 at the absolute earliest. I’ve followed these kinds of travel regulations for years, and they have a tendency to drag on forever. For now, keep those packing cubes handy. Speaking of which, they are my absolute secret weapon for fitting everything into an under-seater. Seriously, try them.
How to Beat the Fees in the Meantime
While we all wait to see what happens, you can still outsmart the system. Here’s what I do:
Go minimalist. Master the art of the under-seat bag. It’s liberating, I promise.
Buy bags early. If you know you need a bag, add it during the initial booking. Waiting until you get to the airport is the most expensive mistake you can make.
Know the airline. Every carrier has slightly different rules. A quick Google search saves a lot of grief.
Consider the bundle. Sometimes, a fare that includes a bag, seat selection, and priority boarding is actually a better deal than adding everything a la carte.
🔹 Need help: Pack Like a Pro: Minimalist Travel Packing Tips
Could This Finally End Boarding Chaos? Or Make It Worse?
Picture it: every single passenger is carrying a free cabin bag. The overhead bins, already a warzone on most flights, are full before half the plane has boarded. This is the airlines’ biggest fear, and frankly, it’s one of mine too. More “free” bags could easily lead to more gate-checked luggage, longer boarding times, and just a more stressful start to your trip. Maybe pack an extra snack for the inevitable wait at the gate.
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So, is killing cabin bag fees the best thing since sliced bread or just a clever illusion? It’s a little of both. On one hand, you’ll no longer feel nickel-and-dimed at checkout. On the other, you might end up paying more for your ticket overall, especially if you’re a light packer. There’s no perfect solution here! And it is, what it is! People will still go abroad regardless. 🌍 ✨
Over to You…
What’s your take on all this? Have you ever been totally stung by a surprise bag fee? Or do you have a genius packing trick that lets you dodge them every time? 👇🗣️
Adventure on,
The Travel Tinker Crew 🌍✨
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Your Questions Answered (Hopefully!) - FAQs
Will the end of cabin bag fees apply to all airlines flying in the EU?
Not quite! If this rule passes, it’ll cover EU-based airlines and flights within the EU. Non-EU carriers, like British Airways or American Airlines, might still charge for cabin bags, especially on routes to or from the EU. Always check the airline’s policy before you book to avoid surprises. 🧳
When will I stop paying for cabin bags in the EU?
The earliest this could kick in is July 2025, but don’t pack your victory dance yet. Airlines are pushing back hard, and EU member states still need to approve it. I’ll keep my eyes peeled for updates so you don’t have to! 👀
Will my flight tickets get pricier without bag fees?
Let’s be honest—probably. Airlines like Ryanair make bank on extras, so they might hike base fares to cover the loss. Whether you bring a bag or travel light, you could end up paying more. It’s a trade-off, and I’m not thrilled about it either. 😅
Can I bring a bigger cabin bag if fees are scrapped?
You’ll likely get a free cabin bag up to 7kg (100cm total dimensions) plus a personal item, like a backpack. Anything bigger might still cost extra, so don’t go overboard with your packing just yet. Pro tip: invest in a good travel scale! ⚖️
What if I travel with just a small personal item?
Here’s the rub: even if you’re a minimalist packer (like me on a good day), you might still face higher fares to subsidise everyone else’s free bags. It’s not ideal, but you can still save by booking early and knowing the rules. 💡
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Nick Harvey
Hi, I am Nick! Thank you for reading! The Travel Tinker is a resource designed to help you navigate the beauty of travel! Tinkering your plans as you browse!
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