EU Pushes for Free Bags on Flights
There’s a major shake-up brewing for anyone who’s ever forked out an extra fee just to bring a carry-on suitcase. The EU transport committee has thrown its weight behind a plan that could force airlines flying in Europe to let passengers bring two free bags on board, no extra charge. Think about it—this proposal, pitched in Brussels on Tuesday, could finally drag airline baggage rules out of the frustrating no-man’s-land where every website, ticket type, and airline seems to play by its own rules.
The committee says this law would make life less complicated for travelers criss-crossing EU member states, where what’s free on one airline might cost €40 on another. Low-cost carriers, notorious for their laundry lists of baggage fees, would see their current cash-cow policies face a serious overhaul. Right now, stories abound of families forced to check a single handbag, students unpacking at the gate, and business travelers juggling laptops and coats just to stay within allowance—the EU wants to end those kinds of gotchas.
What Changes—and What's Still Unclear
If this goes through, every airline flying between EU countries—or within them—would need to allow two bags at no cost. That said, nobody’s settled yet on what counts as a “bag.” Are we talking about the big suitcase that goes in the overhead bin, plus a personal item? Or will airlines wriggle out by downsizing what qualifies? The committee was careful to say details like size and weight are still up for discussion, and the specifics could make or break the practical impact for travelers.
Why now? Complaints about hidden baggage fees and confusing allowances have skyrocketed. Traveler watchdog groups have called out airlines for advertising rock-bottom fares only to tack on extra costs at every step, turning a cheap ticket into a pricey ordeal. Advocates argue that a clear, guaranteed right to two bags would help people actually compare ticket prices—and stop that last-minute check-in stress dance.
Of course, airlines aren’t standing idly by. For the discount carriers especially, baggage fees represent a significant chunk of their profits. Changing these rules could mean rethinking everything from boarding processes to pricing structures. Some airlines warn about longer boarding times or more crowded overhead bins, adding logistical headaches. Still, with the EU’s weight behind it and a rising tide of annoyed passengers, change seems possible.
Right now, the plan is working its way through the EU’s legislative maze. Lawmakers are wrangling over the finer points before any rules hit the runway. No exact rollout date’s been set—and no guarantee the current draft survives in its full form—but the debate isn’t likely to fizzle out soon. If you fly within Europe, keep an eye on this space. The days of surreptitiously cramming a backpack inside a suitcase at the boarding gate might be numbered.