Are EU cabin baggage rules changing?

There's been some buzz lately about potential changes to hand luggage size rules in the European Union. Let's clear the air and get to the bottom of what's really happening.

Here's a quick guide to help you navigate the current situation and what it means for your future trips.

Are new EU cabin baggage size rules coming into effect soon?

No, contrary to some recent reports, the European Union is not implementing new cabin baggage rules in the immediate future.

So what's actually happening with cabin baggage in the EU?

While there are no new regulations, some airlines are working on a voluntary uniform size for cabin baggage.

The European Commission has held workshops with stakeholders to discuss possible voluntary common industry standards for hand luggage dimensions and weight. Airlines for Europe (A4E), a consortium representing major carriers like TUI, easyJet and Ryanair, is involved in these discussions.

Michael O'Leary, CEO of Ryanair, told the Independent that he’d like to see a standardised carry on bag size established by the industry.

Are there any other recent changes to air travel rules in the EU?

Yes, but not related to cabin baggage sizes. A separate rule change just came into effect regarding liquids in cabin baggage. On 1 September 2024, the uniform 100ml rule on liquids in cabin baggage returned across Europe.

What should I do about cabin baggage when travelling in the EU?

For now, continue to follow the specific cabin baggage rules of the airline you're flying with. These can vary significantly between carriers, especially between budget and legacy airlines.

Will there ever be standardised cabin baggage rules across the EU?

While there's discussion about this possibility, no concrete plans or timelines have been established. Any potential changes would likely take some time to implement and would need to consider the varying capacities of different aircraft types.

Any advice for dealing with varying cabin baggage rules?

While we wait for potential standardisation, some luggage brands offer practical solutions.

Companies like Cabin Max specialise in designing bags tailored to specific airlines' requirements. The website will let you search for luggage based on the airline you're travelling with, so you know your bag will fit onboard without any hassle or extra airline fees.