EU Parliament Approves Change to Hand Luggage Allowance

Strategic Insights -

The European Union Parliament's transport committee has given the green light to a new policy that will allow passengers to take a handbag of up to 7kg onto flights without incurring extra charges. This change aims to simplify hand baggage policies across the EU and reduce passenger frustration. The proposed amendment is yet to receive full approval, requiring endorsement from 55% of member states, representing a minimum of 65% of the EU population. Airlines for Europe managing director Ourania Georgoutsakou has expressed her support for the change, stating that passengers should be allowed to decide what services they want to pay for.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU Parliament's transport committee has approved a change that allows passengers to take a handbag of up to 7kg onto flights without extra charges.
  • The new policy aims to simplify hand baggage policies across the EU and reduce passenger frustration.
  • The proposal must receive approval from 55% of member states, representing a minimum of 65% of the EU population.
  • Airlines such as Easyjet, Ryanair, and Jet2 have their own hand luggage policies, with varying weights and size restrictions.
  • The change may simplify travel for passengers, but its impact on airline revenue has not yet been determined.
  • Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director of Airlines for Europe, has expressed her support for the change, arguing that passengers should be allowed to decide what services they want to pay for.

Statistics:

  • 7kg: the maximum weight of the handbag that can be taken onto flights without extra charges
  • 100cm: the maximum size of the handbag that can be taken onto flights
  • 55%: the percentage of member states required to approve the proposal
  • 65%: the percentage of the EU population that must endorse the proposal
  • 45 x 36 x 20cm: the maximum dimensions of the cabin bag allowed on Easyjet flights
  • 15kg: the maximum weight of the cabin bag allowed on Easyjet flights
  • 40 x 20 x 25cm: the maximum size of the personal item allowed on Ryanair flights
  • 10kg: the maximum hand luggage allowance included as standard on Jet2 flights
  • 10kg: the total weight of collapsible pushchairs, car seats, and/or travel cots allowed on Jet2 flights.

Sources:

  • "EU committee nods to new hand luggage rules" - Politco
  • "Easyjet flight hand luggage size and weight restrictions" - Birmingham Live
  • "Ryanair hand luggage policy explained" - Various sources
  • "Jet2 hand luggage policy explained" - Jet2 website