Monday, June 9, 2025
Traveling light isn’t as easy as it sounds these days—especially with ever-changing airline baggage rules. From size limits to hidden fees, many passengers are finding themselves caught off guard at the gate, facing unexpected charges and frustrating confrontations over what they believed was a compliant carry-on. The issue has become so widespread that the European Union is stepping in with a plan to standardise carry-on luggage policies across all EU-based airlines.
The move comes after mounting complaints from travellers who feel misled or penalised by unclear and inconsistent baggage policies, particularly on budget carriers. With airlines each setting their own rules for underseat and cabin bags—some including wheels in measurements, others not—the result has been chaos for passengers trying to avoid fees. The confusion has not only sparked viral stories and social media outcry, but it has also drawn the attention of consumer rights organisations and governments.
In response, EU transport ministers have proposed a set of reforms that includes introducing a standard minimum size for free underseat bags. This could spell the end of the current patchwork system, potentially bringing much-needed clarity to travellers across the EU. If approved by the European Parliament, the new regulation would also apply to UK passengers flying with EU airlines or departing from EU airports.
In this article, we’ll explore the current carry-on chaos, what the EU’s proposed changes mean for passengers, and how standardized rules could transform the flying experience for millions across Europe.
Why Airline Baggage Rules Are So Confusing
For many travellers, packing for a short trip should be simple. But when airlines each enforce different policies for what counts as a “free” personal item, a carry-on, or checked baggage, things quickly get complicated. The same suitcase that’s accepted by one airline could be rejected by another, especially when the measurements are unclear or applied inconsistently.
A major point of contention is whether or not the wheels and handles of a suitcase count toward the maximum size. Some airlines say yes, others do not, and passengers often find out the hard way—at the gate, when they’re told their bag is too big and must be checked for a fee. That fee, on budget carriers, can easily exceed £40-£50, often more than the ticket itself.
Many passengers spend considerable time and effort making sure their luggage fits the size guidelines listed online, only to be surprised at the airport when their bags are deemed non-compliant. These last-minute decisions can turn a smooth travel day into a stressful and expensive ordeal.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Budget airlines are particularly known for strict enforcement of baggage rules. While the base fares may be low, luggage fees—especially for bags that exceed size limits or aren’t pre-booked—can significantly increase the total cost. Passengers often find themselves forced to pay at the gate or even repack their belongings to avoid fees.
For frequent travellers or families with children, this creates ongoing frustration. Social media is filled with stories of passengers who thought they were playing by the rules, only to be hit with fees or asked to repack their bags on the floor of the terminal. This has fuelled calls for clearer policies and fairer treatment at the airport.
The inconsistency among airlines is a big part of the problem. One carrier might allow a soft-sided backpack that slightly bulges, while another demands precise box-shaped measurements, wheels included. This lack of standardization makes it nearly impossible for travelers to prepare with confidence—especially when taking multiple flights on different carriers.
EU Response: A Push for Standardization
Recognising the frustration shared by millions of travellers, the EU’s largest consumer organisation has been advocating for more consistent hand luggage rules across all member states. This pressure has resulted in a recent proposal from EU transport ministers to standardise the minimum size of underseat baggage that must be carried for free on EU-based airlines.
If adopted, this new law would mean that all passengers flying within or from the EU would have the same base allowance for a small carry-on, regardless of which airline they choose. The change is designed to eliminate confusion, improve transparency, and reduce last-minute charges that have long been a pain point for travellers.
The proposal also includes other updates to passenger rights, such as ensuring airlines more reliably reroute travellers during delays or cancellations. Currently, many airlines only rebook passengers on their own services, even if that means long waits. The new rules would require airlines to offer alternatives on other carriers and reimburse passengers when they book replacement tickets themselves.
What This Means for UK and International Travelers
Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, British passengers are still likely to feel the impact of these proposed changes. That’s because the rules would apply to any flight departing from an EU airport, as well as to any flight operated by an EU-based airline—even if departing from the UK.
That means passengers flying from London to Rome on an EU airline, for example, would benefit from the new standardised underseat baggage rules, while those flying a UK-based airline might not. This divergence could lead to some initial confusion, particularly on multi-leg journeys involving different carriers.
However, there is also hope that UK airlines might voluntarily align with the EU’s standards to maintain customer satisfaction and remain competitive. After all, a consistent and transparent approach to baggage would likely be welcomed by passengers on both sides of the Channel.
Looking Ahead: A Simpler Future for Flyers?
While the proposed law still needs approval from the European Parliament, the fact that it has gained support from EU transport ministers marks a strong step toward reform. For travellers, it signals a move toward a future where flying is a little less stressful—and where luggage policies don’t require a measuring tape and a legal handbook.
Budget airlines argue that strict luggage rules help keep fares low, and that passengers are made aware of the rules when booking. But for many flyers, the issue isn’t the rules themselves—it’s the lack of clarity and the surprise fees. A standard, EU-wide policy could balance fairness for travellers with financial sustainability for carriers.
Until then, it’s crucial for passengers to double-check the fine print of their chosen airline’s baggage policy, especially if flying with a low-cost carrier. Understanding what’s included, what’s extra, and what happens at the gate can save time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
