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Wizz, Ryanair, easyJet to change rule on carry-on bag charges

UK also set to adopt new laws which will mean people cannot be charged for bringing a small case on board

[Anyone flying to the EU will see new rules around luggage introduced next year]

Anyone flying to the EU will see new rules around luggage introduced next year(Image: Getty)

Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz changing rule on carry-on bag chargesPassengers are being warned about a major change for anyone flying with airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet and Wizz - and its good news. Following a rule change from the European Commission, airlines will no longer be allowed to charge passengers for bringing a small case on board.

Under the new rules airlines will have to make sure air fares include bringing a small case on board. From next year, travellers across the EU will be allowed to take hand luggage on their flight at no extra cost.

This will be in addition to the small personal item that these airlines currently allow for free, but must be placed under your seat. The new rules wont affect summer holidays this year they come into effect in 2027, and the start date is yet to be announced.

The European Commission said: To create price transparency, air fares including allowance for a piece of hand baggage shall be displayed by default before the start of any booking process to facilitate fare comparisons between airlines,

Alexis Vafeades, Minister of transport, communications and works of the Republic of Cyprus said: Im proud that, after 13 years of negotiations, we reached a landmark agreement to strengthen EU air passenger rights. This modernized framework will deliver certainty, fairness and stronger protection for millions of European air passengers. The agreement strikes a fair balance for our airlines, helping preserve connectivity that is vital to the EUs internal market and its citizens.

In case of a delay that could be ground for compensation, passengers will have to be informed electronically by the airline within 96 hours after arrival. The airline will need to provide information to passengers on their rights and clear instructions on how to submit a request for compensation.

Airlines will be required to immediately acknowledge receipt of a claim and then reply, within 30 days, by either paying compensation or providing a clear justification for refusing the claim.

Under new rules laid out by the European Commission, airlines will have to make sure air fares include bringing a small case on board.

The agreement also clarifies passengers entitlement to assistance during disruptions.

It indicates that in case of a disruption, air passengers are entitled to:

• refreshments every two hours of waiting time;
• a meal after three hours, and every five hours thereafter (up to three meals per day);
• internet access and two phone calls.

The rule allows passengers to take carry-on luggage (40cm x 30cm x 15cm) with no extra fee, alongside the usual under-the-seat bag allowance. While this change could increase initial ticket prices, especially for budget airlines that currently charge extra for bags, carriers will still be allowed to offer reduced fares for travellers who choose to fly without a suitcase.

There have been reports that Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is considering updating British law to implement them here. Consumer champion Which? explains that even if airlines are not strictly bound by the new rules, the reality is that they will have to [follow them].

These rules apply to EU airlines, such as Ryanair, but also to airlines flying from the EU to the UK, including UK carriers such as easyJet.

It would be impractical for UK carriers to apply one set of bag rules and charges on inbound flights from the EU, and outbound legs from the UK. Its likely that UK carriers will implement the same rules on flights to the EU.

Ryanair already offers a (40cm x 30cm x 20cm) personal carry-on bag free of charge as part of its basic fare, which is 33% bigger than the EU standard free carry-on bag.

EasyJet said its fare already includes a small cabin bag for free up to 45 x 36 x 20cm and nearly 40% of its customers choose this option.

UK airlines such as easyJet, British Airways and Jet2 would only be required to comply with the regulation on flights returning from the EU into the UK - meaning Brits could end up facing hand luggage charges on one leg of their trip.

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