EU airlines free hand luggage rules are revolutionizing European travel. Planning a move to Europe or searching for that perfect holiday home? Your travel costs just got lighter. The EU’s groundbreaking vote to eliminate hand luggage fees could save you hundreds on your European journeys.
The new EU airlines free hand luggage regulations mean flying to view that dream villa on the Mediterranean coast or making your relocation trip across Europe will be significantly better – and cheaper. On June 24, 2025, European Union lawmakers voted to ban airlines from charging passengers for hand luggage, marking the biggest shake-up in European air travel since the introduction of budget carriers.
The new EU airlines free hand luggage regulations, which could take effect as early as July 2025, will guarantee all passengers flying within or to/from the EU the right to carry:
Airlines will be completely prohibited from charging additional fees for these items, regardless of the carrier or fare type.
This landmark EU airlines free hand luggage decision specifically targets budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, which have built significant revenue streams from hand luggage charges ranging from €10 to €60 per bag. For anyone frequently traveling to Europe – whether house hunting, relocating, or visiting their holiday home – this represents substantial savings.
The proposal comes after Spain’s Consumer Rights Ministry fined five major budget airlines €179 million in 2024 for “abusive practices” related to hand luggage fees, highlighting the growing public dissatisfaction with these charges.
For those using EurProperties and anyone considering European property, this change brings several key benefits:
Whether you’re making multiple house-hunting trips, relocating to your new European home, or visiting your holiday property several times a year, you could save hundreds of euros annually. A typical property viewing trip to three cities might have previously cost an additional €120-180 in baggage fees alone.
No more checking airline-specific baggage policies or calculating whether to pay for priority boarding to secure overhead space. The standardized EU airlines free hand luggage approach means consistent rules across all European carriers.
Pack essential documents for property purchases, personal belongings for relocation, or holiday necessities without worrying about surprise charges or size restrictions varying between carriers.
The EU airlines free hand luggage rule requires approval from 55% of EU member states before becoming law, with implementation possible as soon as July 2025. In the next stage of the legislative process, members of the Transport and Tourism Committee will discuss the new policies with EU member states before legislation is voted on in July 2025.
The proposal is part of a broader passenger rights reform package that also includes:
The aviation industry has strongly opposed these changes. Airlines for Europe (A4E) warned that eliminating hand luggage fees could result in “higher costs for millions of passengers who neither need nor use an extra trolley bag”. Industry representatives argue that base ticket prices may increase to compensate for lost baggage revenue.
Airlines For Europe Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou stated: “Forcing a mandatory trolley bag strips passengers of that choice and obliges passengers to pay for services they may not want or need”.
This EU airlines free hand luggage legislation builds on a European Court of Justice ruling from over a decade ago that decreed hand luggage carriage cannot be subject to surcharges, provided it meets reasonable weight and dimension requirements. However, the vague nature of “reasonable requirements” led to widely varying airline policies and passenger confusion.
This development particularly benefits travelers to Europe’s most sought-after locations:
Mediterranean Coast: With millions of tourists annually and growing interest from international home buyers, easier travel access makes coastal property exploration more affordable.
Atlantic Regions: Attractive property markets and lifestyle offerings become even more accessible for budget-conscious travelers.
Central and Eastern Europe: Emerging destinations become easier to explore for those seeking holiday homes or relocation opportunities.
As we await final approval and implementation of the EU airlines free hand luggage rules:
Matteo Ricci, the legislation’s lead sponsor, emphasized that this represents “an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel” with “concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage up to a maximum size of 100cm, a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs”.
For anyone exploring European property opportunities or planning a move abroad, this change represents more than just cost savings – it signals a shift toward consumer-friendly policies that make European dreams more accessible and affordable.
As these landmark changes take effect, EurProperties remains your trusted partner for European property opportunities. Our platform connects you with verified agencies, legal professionals, and property services across Europe, ensuring your property journey is as smooth as your newly simplified travel experience.
