EU Airlines Face Ban on Charging for Hand Luggage and Seat Selection

European regulators are poised to implement sweeping changes to airline pricing structures, potentially prohibiting carriers from charging passengers for cabin baggage and family seating arrangements. The landmark proposal, endorsed by the European Parliament’s transport and tourism committee, aims to streamline booking processes and eliminate controversial drip pricing practices.

The proposed legislation mandates that airlines must permit passengers to carry both a personal item and a cabin bag weighing up to 7kg, with combined dimensions not exceeding 100cm, at no additional cost. This regulatory shift could significantly impact airlines’ ancillary revenue streams, which have become increasingly crucial to their business models.

Market leader easyJet recently reported a 7.4% increase in ancillary revenue, reaching £978 million in the six months to March 31. These earnings predominantly stem from supplementary charges for cabin baggage, priority boarding, and in-flight refreshments – revenue sources that could face substantial reduction under the new regulations.

The airline industry has responded with strong opposition to the proposed changes. Airlines for Europe (A4E), the sector’s primary trade body, argues that the regulations would restrict consumer choice and potentially lead to increased base ticket prices. The organisation’s managing director, Ourania Georgoutsakou, likened the proposal to forcing cinema-goers to purchase mandatory refreshments with their tickets.

The legislation extends beyond baggage regulations, incorporating provisions for family seating arrangements. Airlines would be required to seat children under 12 adjacent to their accompanying adults without levying additional charges. Similar provisions would apply to passengers with reduced mobility and their companions.

While the United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union, these regulations would affect all flights departing from EU territories. Industry analysts suggest that airlines may need to standardise their policies across all routes, including UK departures, to maintain operational consistency and avoid passenger confusion.