The European Parliament has voted to allow passengers to carry a small case alongside free underseat bags
easyJet, Ryanair and other airlines could be impacted(Image: Anna Barclay/Getty Images)
Travellers with Ryanair and easyJet may soon be allowed to bring two cabin bags on flights without facing additional charges. Currently, these carriers permit passengers on basic fares to take just one small personal item aboard, with any extra luggage coming at an additional fee.
Ryanair has been compelled to increase the size of personal bags it allows, following changes to EU regulations. Under the new rules, passengers flying with the budget airline will be able to carry hand luggage measuring up to 40 x 30 x 20cm, marking a 20 per cent increase from the previous 40 x 20 x 25 cm restrictions.
easyJet’s personal bag dimensions already complied with these requirements, but another EU rule modification could enable travellers to bring a cabin bag measuring up to 100cm, along with a personal bag, without extra costs. The European parliament voted last month to grant all passengers the right to carry a small case, in addition to the free underseat bags currently allowed.
Parliament wants passengers to have the right to bring onto the aircraft, at no extra cost, one personal item (such as a handbag, rucksack or laptop) and one small piece of hand luggage with maximum dimensions of 100 cm (combined length, width and height) and seven kilograms. The amendments, which require approval from the European Council before taking effect, would cover all travellers flying to or from an EU airport with an EU-based carrier, directly impacting the majority of short-haul journeys from the UK.
European Parliament members (MEPs) are also keen to guarantee that children under 12 are positioned next to an accompanying adult at no additional charge. At present, carriers have no legal obligation to place children beside their parents, although the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) recommends they should do so.
The CAA explains: “Young children and infants who are accompanied by adults should ideally be seated in the same seat row as the adult. Where this is not possible, children should be separated by no more than one seat row from accompanying adults.
“This is because the speed of an emergency evacuation may be affected by adults trying to reach their children.”