Explained: How the EU’s new cabin baggage rules will work – and when they start

Starting late 2027, passengers travelling within the European Union may soon be able to bring more hand luggage without incurring additional fees, under a significant overhaul of air passenger rights. This change, a first major revision of the legislation since 2004, is the result of a provisional agreement reached in June by the European Parliament and EU member states.

Under the new regulations, standard ticket holders will be entitled to two pieces of hand luggage at no extra cost. This includes one small personal item, such as a handbag or backpack, which must be able to fit under the seat in front of them. Additionally, passengers would be permitted one larger cabin bag weighing up to 7kg, with dimensions totaling up to 100cm.

These changes are anticipated to take effect no earlier than October 2027, pending completion of the remaining EU legislative process. The European Parliament argues that this provision grants passengers the right to carry a personal item on board “without additional fee”, potentially eliminating some of the current extra charges imposed by airlines for cabin baggage.

The new rules also allow airlines to offer cheaper fares to passengers who choose not to bring hand luggage; however, the exact implementation of this pricing system remains unclear. These modifications are part of a broader overhaul of EU air passenger rights, addressing issues such as delays, cancellations, and compensation.

Notably, this change does not benefit British passengers, who have not been European citizens since Brexit. EasyJet UK, one of the country's largest operators, states that passengers on outbound journeys will not be able to utilize the new rules, as they will only apply to UK-based airlines for return flights from EU countries. Despite this, EasyJet, along with other British airlines, is currently reviewing its own baggage policies in anticipation of the EU legislation's implementation.