Free Carry-On Bags Europe: EU Rule Starts October 23, 2027
From October 23, 2027, airline passengers in the EU will have a right to bring a small personal item and a larger overhead bag at no extra charge. Ryanair has called the rules "stupid", and a loophole may let airlines discount fares for underseat-only travelers.
Airline passengers in Europe will have a guaranteed right to two free carry-on bags from October 23, 2027, under a new European Parliament regulation. Free carry-on bags in Europe will cover a small underseat item plus a larger overhead cabin bag, at no extra charge.
The rule is Regulation (EU) 2026/2202. It applies to all flights departing from EU airports, and to flights arriving at EU airports from third countries if an EU carrier operates them.
What the rule sets
The underseat bag must measure 40 x 30 x 15 centimeters or less and fit under the seat in front. Its weight is not prescribed.
The regulation sets no size limit for the overhead bag. Each airline must clearly state the size, weight or number of items allowed. European carriers generally cap overhead bags at 55 x 40 x 20 centimeters, with weight limits from seven to 10 kilograms.
Budget airlines push back
Legacy carriers will mostly be unaffected. Budget airlines are another matter.
Ryanair, which carries more international passengers than any other airline, called the rules "gobbledegook" and "stupid rules". Today its only free carry-on is one underseat bag of up to 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters. Overhead storage costs extra, and close to a third of Ryanair's revenue comes from such ancillary charges.
Ryanair's representatives argue that giving away the second bag would raise fares for everyone, including people who fly without an overhead bag. The same logic applies to "economy basic" fares at legacy carriers, which also charge for overhead bags.
A loophole, and a bin-space problem
A loophole may soften the blow. EU carriers must advertise fares that include two cabin bags. Late in the booking process, though, they could offer a discount to passengers who choose only an underseat bag.
Overhead space is another limit. Economy cabins typically lack room for one bag per passenger. Bags that do not fit in the lockers will be sent to the hold, and late boarders face the greatest risk.
Boarding early, choosing a mid-cabin seat over the front, or flying with only an underseat bag could help, according to The Age's travel coverage.
Qantas passengers
Qantas flyers will not be affected. The airline allows one overhead piece of up to 56 x 23 x 36 centimeters and seven kilograms on international economy flights, plus one underseat item. That limit applies on QF6 departing from Rome and QF34 departing from Paris.
The same limit would apply on Qantas codeshare flights departing from EU airports, provided a QF flight number appears on the booking.
