After more than a decade of negotiations, the European Parliament and the EU Council have agreed on the biggest shake-up of air travel rules in years. From 2027, every passenger flying within or from the EU will be entitled to free hand luggage on every flight, along with a package of stronger passenger rights. For years, cabin-bag fees and confusing size limits have been one of the biggest frustrations in budget travel – and that is finally about to change. Here is everything you need to know and what it means for your next trip.

Why the EU is overhauling hand luggage rules

Right now, hand luggage is a patchwork. Every airline sets its own dimensions, weights and fees, and the rules seem to change constantly. Just in the past year we have seen Lufthansa tighten its hand luggage rules with the new Economy Basic fare, Finnair start charging for carry-on baggage, and easyJet update its cabin bag policy. Low-cost carriers have pushed even further – Ryanair now pays gate staff a bonus to catch oversized cabin bags, and EU courts even ruled the Ryanair and Wizz Air hand luggage policies legal.

The result is a system where two passengers on the same route can pay wildly different prices for the same bag. The new EU rules aim to end that confusion with one simple, continent-wide standard.

Two free cabin bags on every flight

The headline change is a single, EU-wide standard for free hand luggage. Instead of each airline setting its own limits, every passenger will be allowed to bring two items on board at no extra cost:

1. A personal item

A small bag with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 cm, stored under the seat in front of you. Think of a backpack, handbag or laptop bag.

2. A cabin trolley

A larger carry-on of up to 100 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height) and weighing up to 7 kg, stored in the overhead bin. This is the bag that today often costs extra on budget airlines.

Bonus for light packers: Passengers who travel with only a personal item may be offered a lower base fare. So if you can fit everything into one small bag, you could actually pay less than you do today.

New passenger rights from 2027

Free cabin bags grab the headlines, but the reform also bundles in several rights that travellers have wanted for years:

• Family seating at no extra charge: Children under 14 must be seated next to an accompanying adult for free – no more paying to sit with your own kids.
• End of no-show penalties: Airlines can no longer cancel your return flight just because you did not use the outbound leg.
• No forced app downloads: Boarding passes must be available without requiring a mobile app. This comes right as Ryanair moves to accept only digital boarding passes, so passengers will keep the right to a usable pass.
• Free name corrections: Fixing a misspelled name on a ticket will be free of charge.
• Transparent pricing: No surprise fees at the gate during check-in – the price you see should be much closer to the price you pay.

Stronger compensation and care during delays

The existing EU compensation amounts for long delays and cancellations stay in place:

• EUR 250 for flights up to 1,500 km
• EUR 400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
• EUR 600 for flights over 3,500 km

These build on the recent EU agreement that adjusted the flight delay compensation thresholds. If you are not sure whether you qualify, our guide on flight delays and how passengers can get compensation walks you through it step by step.

Care standards during disruptions are also being strengthened. While you wait, airlines must provide:

• Free water and drinks every 2 hours of waiting
• A full meal after 3 hours
• Free internet access and two phone calls
• Proactive notification within 96 hours of the incident

For more on protecting yourself when things go wrong, see our 7 tips on what to do if your flight is cancelled, delayed or overbooked.

How the new rules compare to today

To see how big this change is, compare it with current budget-airline practice:

• Today: A free personal item only, with the cabin trolley costing anywhere from a few euros to more than the ticket itself.
• From 2027: Both the personal item and the cabin trolley are free on every EU flight, regardless of fare type.

It is also part of a broader trend of airports and regulators easing travel friction – from European airports scrapping the 100 ml liquids rule to more transparent fare displays.

When do the new rules take effect?

The political agreement has been reached between the European Parliament and the Council, with formal votes scheduled in the coming weeks. Once the rules are published, airlines will get a 12-month transition period to update their systems, which puts full implementation around 2027. You can follow the official rules on the EU’s air passenger rights portal.

What does it mean for ticket prices?

Industry analysts expect that base fares may rise slightly to offset the lost revenue from baggage fees – airlines will not simply give up that income. But in the long run, travellers should benefit from more predictable, all-in pricing and far less stress over hidden charges. For families and anyone who travels with a cabin bag, the total cost of a trip is likely to fall.

How to prepare as a traveller

• Keep packing light. A single personal item could unlock the cheapest fares, so a good 40 x 30 x 15 cm bag is a smart investment.
• Measure your cabin trolley. The 100 cm / 7 kg standard is generous, but bags that exceed it can still be charged.
• Know your rights at the gate. From 2027 you should not face surprise fees – but until then, the old airline-specific rules still apply.
• Save the compensation thresholds. EUR 250 to EUR 600 can add up, so always claim what you are owed after a long delay.

Frequently asked questions

How many bags can I bring for free from 2027?

Two: one personal item (up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm) under the seat, and one cabin trolley (up to 100 cm total, max 7 kg) in the overhead bin.

Does this apply to all airlines?

Yes. The rules apply to all flights within the EU and departing from the EU, including low-cost carriers such as Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet.

Will I still get compensation for delays?

Yes. Compensation of EUR 250 to EUR 600 depending on distance remains, with improved care during long waits.

Do I have to pay to sit next to my child?

No. From 2027, children under 14 must be seated next to an accompanying adult at no extra charge.

When exactly do the rules start?

After the formal EU votes and a 12-month transition period for airlines, with full implementation expected around 2027.