From 23 October 2027, passengers on flights covered by EU air passenger rights will be entitled to bring one cabin bag on board at no extra cost, in addition to one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of them. The change comes from the revised EU air passenger rights rules, which were published in the EU's Official Journal on 2 October and are expected to apply from 23 October 2027.
- What changes: A free cabin bag (up to 7kg, combined dimensions 100cm) plus one personal item (maximum 40 x 30 x 15cm) on flights covered by EU rules. These specific dimensions are reported by news outlets and are not yet confirmed by official EU sources.
- When: Expected to apply from 23 October 2027.
- Who: Flights covered by EU air passenger rights, including flights within the EU, flights arriving in the EU on an EU airline, and flights departing the EU, plus flights to and from Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
- What airlines can still charge for: The free entitlement covers cabin baggage only. Any checked baggage is subject to the airline's policy.
- UK travellers: May still pay hand luggage fees on the outward leg, because the UK is no longer in the EU.
Who the new rules affect
The rules apply to flights covered by EU air passenger rights. According to the EU's official passenger rights page, EU rules apply if your flight is within the EU and operated by an EU or non-EU airline; if your flight arrives in the EU from outside the EU and is operated by an EU airline; or if your flight departs from the EU to a non-EU country and is operated by an EU or non-EU airline. EU rules also apply to flights to and from Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.
The EU means the 27 EU countries, including Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Mayotte, Réunion, Saint Barthélemy, Saint-Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands, but not the Faroe Islands.
If you are flying from the UK to an EU country, the new hand luggage entitlement may not apply on the outward leg. As the UK is no longer an EU member, airlines including easyJet and British Airways may only need to follow the rules on return flights into a country covered by EU passenger rights regulations.
What to do step by step
- Check whether your flight is covered. Use the EU's official passenger rights page to see if your route falls under EU rules.
- Look at the baggage allowance shown during booking. Under the new rules, airlines, intermediaries and search portals must display the air fare inclusive of carry-on luggage at the start of the booking process.
- Expect one cabin bag plus one personal item. The cabin bag can weigh up to 7kg and have combined dimensions of 100cm. The personal item must fit under the seat in front and have maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15cm. These dimensions are reported by news outlets and are not yet confirmed by official EU sources.
- Decide whether you need checked baggage. The free allowance covers cabin baggage only. If you need to check a bag, that is subject to the airline's policy.
- If you are flying from the UK, check both legs separately. The outward leg may still carry a hand luggage fee, while the return leg into the EU may not.
- Keep your booking confirmation. If you are charged for something the rules say should be free, you will need the details when you contact the airline or a national enforcement body.
Costs and timing
The revised rules were approved by the European Parliament on 7 July 2026, with 646 votes in favour, 12 against and three abstentions. They were signed by the Council and Parliament and published in the EU's Official Journal on 2 October. The European Parliament confirmed that the changes are expected to come into force from 23 October 2027.
Under the third reading procedure, once the provisional agreement was approved by Parliament, it had to be confirmed by Council by the beginning of August 2026. The updated rules enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal. From that moment, EU countries and companies have one year to prepare for implementation.
Airlines may offer cheaper tickets for passengers who choose voluntarily to travel without hand luggage. The rules also require airlines, intermediaries and search portals to display fares inclusive of carry-on luggage at the outset of the booking process, to make price comparison easier.
Exceptions and what is not yet confirmed
Some details are still not fully confirmed. The European Parliament said the changes are expected to come into force from 23 October 2027, so travellers should check the official EU pages closer to the date for the final application date and any implementing rules.
The free entitlement is for one cabin bag and one personal item only. Airlines can also offer cheaper tickets to passengers who choose to travel without hand luggage.
The rules also include other changes that are not about baggage, such as faster reimbursement, clearer compensation procedures, and the right for families with children under 14 to sit together without paying extra. These are part of the same package but are separate from the hand luggage entitlement.
If you are flying from the UK, do not assume the free cabin bag applies to your outward flight. The UK is no longer in the EU, and airlines may only need to follow the rules on return flights into a country covered by EU passenger rights regulations. Check your airline's baggage policy before you book.
FAQ
When do the new EU hand luggage rules start?
The European Parliament confirmed the changes are expected to come into force from 23 October 2027. The rules were published in the EU's Official Journal on 2 October, and EU countries and companies have one year from entry into force to prepare for implementation.
What size bag is covered?
The free cabin bag can weigh up to 7kg and have combined dimensions of 100cm. In addition, you can bring one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15cm. These dimensions are reported by news outlets and are not yet confirmed by official EU sources.
Do the rules apply to UK flights?
EU air passenger rights apply to flights within the EU, flights arriving in the EU on an EU airline, and flights departing the EU. They also apply to flights to and from Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Because the UK is no longer in the EU, UK travellers may still have to pay hand luggage fees on the outward leg of their journey.
Can airlines still charge for luggage?
The free entitlement covers one cabin bag plus one personal item. Any checked baggage is subject to the airline's policy. Airlines may also offer cheaper tickets for passengers who choose voluntarily to travel without hand luggage.
What if my flight is not covered by EU rules?
If your flight is not covered by EU air passenger rights, the new hand luggage entitlement may not apply. Check your airline's baggage policy and the EU's official passenger rights page to see which rules apply to your route.
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. For your own situation, check the official EU pages and your airline's baggage policy before you travel.
Sources
- European Union — Air passenger rights (checked October 5, 2026)
- European Parliament — European Parliament achieves upgrade to air passenger rights (checked October 5, 2026)
- European Commission — Air passenger rights (checked October 5, 2026)
- The Independent — EU hand luggage flights rule change (checked October 5, 2026)
About the author
Bookskies Editorial TeamBookskies uses AI for drafts and translations. This organizational byline does not identify a named expert or certify a human review. Check the guide’s sources and documented review status before relying on time-sensitive claims.
