Airlines such as TAP and low-cost airline easyJet, which are part of this group, will implement the dimensions of 40 cm × 30 cm × 15 cm for hand luggage that is placed under the seat in front – the so-called “personal item” free of charge, which generally consists of a bag or backpack. For passengers to have an idea, it is a similar size to what Ryanair already has in place (40 cm x 20 cm x 25 cm).

A4E airlines, which have agreed to standardise baggage sizes, will implement the guaranteed dimensions by the end of the 2025 summer season. However, there may be exceptions when it comes to boarding, as some airlines “will continue to allow larger personal items at their discretion, as is already the case for many.”

ECO asked the association about the details of this decision, namely whether it means that it is possible to take two pieces of free baggage into the cabin of the aircraft, and A4E was categorical: no. On the contrary, it is possible that additional items will be subject to a fee. The change only applies to “the item that is already included free of charge,” explained an official source from A4E.

“The announcement ensures that bags of these dimensions are guaranteed to be brought into the cabin at no extra cost, subject to operational requirements,” added the Brussels-based organization, led by Ourania Georgoutsakou, in statements to ECO.

Discussions on hand luggage, as part of a broader reform of passenger rights in Europe, are still ongoing in Brussels. Air transport rules have been stagnant for more than a decade and are currently being revamped, but debates between European legislators and member states continue, but they do not invalidate this A4E rule.

Early last month, EU transport ministers at the European Council decided that passengers taking a flight within the EU will be entitled to carry on board, at no extra cost, a personal bag, such as a carry-on bag or a backpack. In other words, they can charge for hand luggage that does not fit under the seat with the defined dimensions.

According to the company AirHelp, passenger rights are “at risk” since “the outcome of the upcoming trilogue negotiations remains unknown” and, in order to protect them, the European Parliament must oppose the European Council’s proposal, which includes changes to compensation, cabin baggage fees and claim deadlines.

“The Council’s proposal introduces longer delay thresholds, reduced compensation, cabin baggage fees and stricter claim deadlines, marking an unprecedented step backwards in passenger and consumer protection in over 20 years,” said the travel protection company.

However, AirHelp notes that air passengers can still “hold out some hope”, given that in the debate in the European Parliament on 18 June, it was clear that the vast majority of MEPs who spoke were firmly opposed to the changes in the Council’s proposal.