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Newly negotiated rules at EU level could soon change how flights are priced and sold across Europe, potentially giving Irish travellers a free cabin bag and clearer ticket costs during booking. The deal, struck by the European Parliament and Council, aims to make fares more transparent and could take effect in 2027 if it wins final approval.
What the proposal would do for passengers
Under the agreement, standard fares would include a free personal item plus a larger piece of hand luggage. The personal item would be limited to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm, while the larger cabin bag—such as a small suitcase or backpack—would also be covered in the advertised price.
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At the start of the booking process, airlines, travel agents and comparison sites would be required to display fares that already incorporate the cabin-bag allowance. Travellers who prefer to travel lighter would still be able to remove the larger bag during booking and pay a lower fare.
Other passenger protections in the package
The reform package goes beyond baggage. It includes measures intended to improve everyday travel for many flyers and to clarify carriers’ obligations.
- Families would be able to sit together without paying extra.
- Rights for passengers with reduced mobility would be strengthened.
- Carriers would be prevented from refusing boarding to some passengers who miss an earlier leg of a journey.
How low-cost carriers might be affected
Low-cost business models could be reshaped by the change. The rules would make the default displayed price include a cabin bag allowance, rather than showing the lowest optional price first.
For example, the deal means a Ryanair booking page would initially show a fare that includes a 10kg cabin bag; customers who do not want the extra bag could deselect it and receive a cheaper price before paying.
Airline pushback and defenders of the reform
Ryanair has strongly criticised the proposals. Chief executive Michael O’Leary called them “more bureaucratic bunkum from the EU Parliament and Council.” He added: “Instead of encouraging EU airlines to advertise our lowest fares (which exclude second cabin bags), which is what over 50 per cent of our customers choose, these new rubbish regulations require airlines to falsely advertise higher air fares, making EU airlines even less competitive.”
The carrier argues that because a majority of its passengers travel without the larger cabin bag, showing fares that include one by default would make advertised prices seem higher than what many people actually pay.
Supporters say the reforms will bring welcome clarity. Alexis Vafeades, Cyprus’s Minister for Transport, Communications and Works, said: “I’m proud that, after 13 years of negotiations, we reached a landmark agreement to strengthen EU air passenger rights.” He added that the package will deliver “certainty, fairness and stronger protection for millions of European air passengers,” while striking “a fair balance for our airlines.”
Where things stand now
The agreement must still be formally approved before it becomes law. If adopted, the new rules are expected to come into force in 2027. Until then, current airline pricing practices remain in place.
