Air passengers will get a new right to take a small bag on board for free under new EU rules – but holidaymakers flying from Manchester Airport should not assume they will be able to take a larger cabin suitcase without paying extra.
The changes form part of an overhaul of EU air passenger rights, with new rules designed to make baggage allowances clearer and flight prices easier to compare.
Under the regulation, airlines must allow passengers to take one personal item into the cabin at no extra cost.
The personal item must measure no more than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, or fit under the seat in front.
While the EU is allowing these extra items, it's worth noting that UK rules aren't changing.
Therefore, an extra item being taken from the UK to an EU country will cost extra for Manchester Airport passengers but these passengers will not need to pay extra to bring the item back.
This could be handy when passengers wish to bring souvenirs back from the EU.
What's the catch?
The rules do not guarantee everyone a free larger cabin bag.
Airlines will still be able to set their own baggage policies and offer different fares, including cheaper tickets for passengers who choose to travel without a larger hand-luggage allowance.
The new regulation was signed on September 16, published in the EU's Official Journal on October 2 and is due to apply from October 23, 2027.
That means passengers should not expect their current baggage allowances to change immediately.
What the new EU hand luggage rules mean for Manchester Airport passengers
The regulation sets out several changes intended to make baggage rules and flight prices clearer when travelling from the EU.
One personal item free of charge
Passengers will be entitled to take one personal item into the cabin without paying extra.
This could be a handbag or small backpack, provided it meets the size requirements and safety rules.
Clearer flight prices before booking
Airlines and booking intermediaries must display fares that include an allowance for a piece of hand baggage by default before the booking process begins.
They can still offer cheaper fares without that allowance, so travellers will need to check exactly what is included in the ticket they choose.
No universal free suitcase
The regulation does not establish a single EU-wide size or weight allowance for a larger cabin suitcase.
Airlines retain flexibility over their baggage policies.
Bags may still be moved to the hold
If safety concerns, a lack of cabin capacity or a change of aircraft prevents a bag from being carried on board, the airline may require it to be placed in the hold without charging the passenger extra.
The rules are based on where a flight departs and which airline operates it, rather than the passenger's nationality.
They will apply to passengers departing from airports in the EU.
They can also cover certain flights arriving in the EU from outside the bloc when operated by an EU airline, subject to the regulation's conditions.
For many British holidaymakers, this means the departure airport will be important when checking baggage charges.
A flight departing from a UK airport will not automatically be covered by these EU rules simply because it is heading to an EU destination.
Travellers should continue checking the baggage allowance and fees for each flight, including on return journeys.
Travel expert's warning over 'free cabin luggage'
Harry Deacon, travel expert at travel eSIM provider Holafly, said the changes could help passengers compare prices more easily, but warned against assuming that every bag would be free.
He said: “For far too long the rules on hand luggage have been the most aggravating aspect of travel within Europe.
"One airline on the same route can have a very different allowance from another, and many passengers only discover what they will pay when they reach checkout, or worse still, the airport gate.
"The inclusion of a free personal item with every flight and the knowledge in advance of what your hand baggage allowance is would go a long way towards making fares more comparable.
“That all said, I would be wary of sites offering "free cabin luggage" as a synonym for "every bag is free".
"The personal item is a bit more certain, but the larger cabin bag will still depend on your fare and airline policy and the regulations don't kick in until October 2027.
"Until then, nothing has changed at the airport.
"My best advice is to continue to measure your bag against each airline's limits, to carefully check what your fare includes before paying, and to compare the overall price and not the headline fare.
"And remember that, flying from the UK, you will still be charged on the outbound, even when the return from the EU is free.
“All in all, this is a major move toward easier-to-understand, more equitable air travel.
"Passengers should get used to reading fare information now, because they're going to need to do it even more once the new regulation takes effect.”
Which EU destinations does Manchester Airport fly to?
Manchester Airport flies passengers to 24 of the 27 EU countries:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Spain
- Sweden
For destinations within these countries, search the list on the Manchester Airport website (linked above).
Do you think the new EU rule would benefit you when travelling back from a European country? Let us know in the comments below.
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