EU’s New Carry-On Baggage Rule: Why It Was Created and Why IATA Opposes It

 
 EU’s New Carry-On Baggage Rule: Why It Was Created — and Why IATA Opposes It

The European Union’s latest air travel reform has ignited a continent-wide debate: should all passengers have the right to bring carry-on baggage for free? While the EU Parliament has proposed a rule to ban fees for standard cabin bags, the aviation industry led by IATA is pushing back hard.

EU Carry-On Baggage Policy Change

What Is the EU Proposing?

The European Parliament’s Transport Committee recently approved a proposal requiring airlines to allow:

• One standard cabin bag (up to 7 kg, total dimensions ≤ 100 cm), and
• One personal item (up to 40×30×15 cm),
  free of charge on all EU flights.

The move aims to clarify and enforce a 2014 European Court of Justice (ECJ) decision that deemed fees for reasonable cabin baggage unfair. The full Parliament and the EU Council must still vote on it before it becomes law—likely in late 2025 or 2026.

 Why Was This Rule Introduced?

🔹 To End Hidden Fees

Many low-cost airlines offer cheap base fares but charge extra for even small carry-on bags. This often misleads consumers and inflates the actual price of flying.

🔹 To Create Uniform Standards

Each airline has different baggage policies—creating confusion, inconvenience, and potential penalties for travelers. The EU wants to harmonize rules across the bloc.

🔹 To Respond to Enforcement Gaps

Despite the 2014 ECJ ruling, airlines have continued charging for carry-ons—prompting national fines (e.g. Spain’s recent €179 million in penalties to Ryanair, easyJet, and others).

  IATA’s Strong Opposition

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents most of the world’s major airlines, has openly criticized the proposed rule. Its Director General Willie Walsh called the plan "an overreach that risks damaging consumer choice and airline business models."

IATA’s Key Objections:

Concern	Explanation
Higher base fares	Mandatory inclusion of baggage means all passengers—even those traveling light—will pay more.
Operational issues	Uniform free carry-ons could cause overhead-bin crowding, boarding delays, and slower turnarounds.
Loss of pricing flexibility	Airlines use unbundled fares to offer cheaper tickets; the rule would interfere with this model.
Legal overstep	IATA argues the rule may violate existing EU laws that protect airlines’ commercial freedom.

 IATA’s Alternative Proposals

Rather than imposing mandatory baggage allowances, IATA has suggested the following:

 1. Enhanced Transparency Standards

• Airlines should clearly display total price comparisons, including all fees, before booking.
• Digital booking platforms should provide easy side-by-side comparisons.

 2. Self-Regulation with Guidelines

• Let airlines set baggage policies freely but require clearer communication.
• Create a standard “baggage disclosure format” to avoid confusion.

3. Focus on Enforcement, Not New Rules

• Instead of passing new laws, enforce the 2014 ECJ ruling more consistently.
• Penalize deceptive practices on a national level, rather than a blanket EU-wide rule.

  Airlines in the Middle

Some airlines are quietly adapting, despite IATA’s objections:

• Ryanair: Increased its free personal bag size to 40×30×20 cm.
• Wizz Air: Already offers free bags within the proposed limits.
• easyJet: Still charges for cabin bags and rewards staff for catching oversized bags.

If the rule becomes law, airlines may be forced to restructure fares and some may pass the cost back to travelers through higher ticket prices.

What It Means for Aviation Professionals

Whether you're working in ground operations, cabin crew, regulatory compliance, or customer service, this rule will change workflows and passenger expectations.
JobsReach Aviation the platform for aviation professionals helps keep staff, airlines, and stakeholders up to date with industry regulations, operational trends, and career opportunities shaped by policy changes like this one.

 Final Word

While the EU sees the carry-on rule as a way to protect passengers and enforce fairness, IATA views it as a threat to airline innovation, choice, and affordability. The outcome of this debate will not only shape the flying experience in Europe it could influence global aviation policy.

As both sides gear up for legal and political battles, one thing is clear: the future of cabin baggage is no longer just a travel convenience it's a flashpoint in a much larger fight over the future of air travel.