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Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Spain And Greece Travelers Flying Low-Cost Airlines Could Soon Bring One Free Underseat Bag As EU Pushes For Standard Carry On Policy Across The Bloc Monday, June 9, 2025Spanish and Greek tourists traveling on budget airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air would be eligible to bring a free under-seat carry-on bag with them without an additional cost, following a new EU proposal with an aim to eliminate confusing charges for bags from airlines and implement a uniform policy with all EU-based carriers. The policy would ensure passengers a right to carry a bag within specific dimensions on board without an extra cost, with equal treatment for passengers no matter what airline they fly with or where they travel.The European Union is advancing plans to introduce a new regulation aimed at eliminating one of the biggest headaches for air travelers—unclear rules and unexpected charges for carry-on bags. If approved, this measure would apply across all EU-based airlines, including flights to and from the UK, covering popular travel corridors between Britain and top tourist destinations like Spain, France, Greece, Italy, and Portugal.Currently, passengers must navigate a confusing maze of baggage rules every time they fly. One airline might allow a certain bag size for free, while another might charge extra for the same item. The variation in policies across carriers causes stress, unexpected expenses, and last-minute scrambles at airport gates—especially for travelers unaware that their carry-on bag could suddenly become a billable item.To address this issue, EU transport officials have proposed a common standard for free carry-on baggage on flights operated by EU carriers. The new rule would guarantee all passengers the right to bring one personal item on board at no additional cost. This item must not exceed dimensions of 40x30x15cm, including wheels and handles, and must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.The proposed measure directly targets the current practice where airlines impose inconsistent size restrictions and fees for bags that vary only slightly in dimension. Travelers who book with a budget airline are often charged for bags that another airline might allow for free—creating confusion, distrust, and unnecessary hassle. The new regulation would eliminate this discrepancy by requiring uniformity across the entire EU aviation sector.Airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air, which dominate short-haul routes across Europe and the UK, would be required to follow the rule. They would no longer be able to charge extra fees for small carry-on items that meet the standardized size and can be stored under the seat. The regulation would also apply to flights departing from or arriving in non-EU countries, such as the UK, as long as they are operated by EU-based airlines.Although a European court ruled more than a decade ago that hand luggage of a “reasonable” size should be included in the ticket price, the term “reasonable” was never defined. Airlines used this ambiguity to create their own rules, often shrinking the allowable dimensions or charging extra fees for basic carry-ons. This loophole led to a surge in complaints from travelers across the continent.The EU’s new proposal aims to finally eliminate that gray area. By setting a fixed size limit for underseat carry-on bags, travelers would no longer face confusion or uncertainty at the airport. Gone would be the days of hurried measurements or surprise fees at the gate. As long as a passenger’s bag falls within the approved EU dimensions, airlines would be required to accept it at no extra cost.Airline policies today remain far from uniform. For instance, Ryanair currently permits a free personal item no larger than 40x20x25cm, while easyJet allows slightly larger bags up to 45x36x20cm. These minor differences can have major consequences for travelers, who may end up paying fees upwards of €30 for a bag that doesn’t meet one airline’s more restrictive dimensions. The proposed EU standard of 40x30x15cm aims to set a consistent baseline that would remove this confusion once and for all.The regulation also responds to rising tensions between airlines and consumer rights advocates. Several countries have already begun pushing back against excessive luggage charges. In Spain, regulators fined multiple airlines for what they described as abusive baggage practices, specifically targeting fees imposed for hand luggage. Spain’s government has since proposed banning extra charges for carry-on bags entirely, arguing that they constitute unfair treatment of passengers.While some airlines claim that a flexible pricing structure allows customers to personalize their experience and pay only for what they need, many passengers see these practices as nickel-and-diming. Charging extra for basic travel necessities like a carry-on bag undermines customer trust and complicates the booking process. The EU’s intervention aims to balance consumer protection with airline flexibility, but on more transparent and consistent terms.The proposed law still requires approval from the European Parliament before it becomes binding. If passed, it would mark a significant shift in how air travel operates across Europe, reinforcing passenger rights while simplifying the experience of flying. It could also influence global airline policy, setting a precedent that other regions may follow as travelers continue to demand fairer, clearer pricing structures.At present, travelers still need to review each airline’s specific baggage rules before flying. However, a shift is clearly underway. Should the EU’s proposed standard take effect, those flying across or into Europe can expect a more predictable experience, with the assurance that their right to bring a cabin bag won’t depend on which airline they choose.Budget airline passengers from Greece and Spain could be given a free under-seat bag as part of an effort by the EU aimed at harmonizing airplane carry-on policy to eliminate differing charges and confusion amongst its member states.With Europe’s skies among the busiest in the world and low-cost carriers continuing to grow, the move toward baggage fairness could not come at a better time. Whether you’re flying from London to Lisbon or Berlin to Barcelona, a fair and transparent rule on carry-on bags could make that journey a little smoother—and a lot less expensive.Tags: Airline News, Budget Airlines, easyJet, EU carry-on rules, greece, Passenger rights, Ryanair, spain, Tourism news, travel industry, Travel News, Wizz Air
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