The European Parliament has voted to prohibit airlines from charging for small carry-on luggage, aligning with a 2014 European Court ruling that deems it a passenger's right. This decision would allow travelers to bring a personal item and a small bag aboard without additional fees. While this is a promising step for consumers, it is not yet final as it requires further validation from all MEPs and the EU Council. The aviation industry opposes this ruling, citing potential increases in costs and reduced consumer choice.
Tuesday's vote appears to be good news for passengers but it is not final. The change will still have to be endorsed by all MEPs in the full parliament.
Airlines condemned Tuesday's vote as a limit to 'consumer choice' that will result in 'higher costs for millions of passengers who neither need nor use an extra trolley bag.'
The position aims to bring into EU law a judgement made by the European Court of Justice, which ruled back in 2014 that the 'carrying of hand baggage cannot be made subject to a price supplement.'
Consumer groups lodged a complaint with the European Commission arguing that the EU top court recognised hand luggage as 'an essential aspect of passengers' carriage,' said BEUC.
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