EU to Standardize Free Carry-On Bags in 2025

The New Carry-On Rules

Under the proposal, all passengers flying from EU airports will be entitled to bring:

• One personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or similar) up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm
  
• One small cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg and measuring a maximum of 100 cm total dimensions (length + width + height)

Both must be free of charge, regardless of airline or ticket type. The goal is to standardize the rules regarding carry-on and fees associated with it - the current system creates a wide discrepancy in cost for carry-on, especially for low-cost airlines.

The legislation still needs approval from the European Council, but some airlines aren’t waiting for the official green light.

Airlines Already Responding

Ryanair has already announced an increase to its free personal bag size; now 40 × 30 × 20 cm, slightly larger than the proposed EU minimum. The rollout across its network is expected to be completed by October 2025. 

Other low-cost carriers are expected to make similar changes to avoid being caught off guard by the new regulations. For frequent fliers, this is more than just a small tweak to travel; it is a significant change in the charging business model that will affect both the companies and travelers.

What It Means for Travelers

 For passengers, the benefits are clear:

• No more “gate check” surprises. You will know exactly what you can bring for free.
  
• Simpler packing decisions. One personal item and one cabin bag, with clear size and weight limits.
  
• Potential cost savings, especially on budget carriers where cabin bag fees can rival the cost of the ticket.

It is also likely to speed up boarding, as fewer passengers will be negotiating last-minute bag payments or searching for space in the overhead bins.

What It Means for Airlines

It remains to be seen just how airlines across the globe will react and answer this new legislation, as the new rules could reshape a key part of their revenue model. Many budget airlines currently charge for cabin bags larger than a small handbag, and these fees make up a significant share of their income.

If these charges disappear, airlines may look to recover the lost revenue in other ways, such as:

• Increasing base ticket prices
  
• Raising fees for checked luggage
  
• Charging more for seat selection or priority boarding
  
• Introducing new “premium” carry-on options with extra size or weight allowances
  

Operationally, more free cabin bags could also mean fuller overhead bins and potentially slower boarding, especially on short-haul flights with tight turnaround times. Airlines might respond by adjusting boarding processes, enforcing stricter size and weight checks, or encouraging passengers to check bags at no extra cost.

Industry associations have also raised concerns that standardizing free cabin bag rules removes flexibility for airlines to differentiate their pricing models. However, passenger groups counter that these changes will improve fairness and transparency, even if base fares rise slightly.

What’s Next?

The proposal will now move to the European Council, where member states will decide whether to approve it. If passed, airlines will be given a transition period to update their policies, train staff, and adjust boarding procedures.

Given the public support for the move and the reputational risk of being seen as “anti-passenger”, it’s likely that many carriers will comply ahead of the official deadline. For travelers, that means the days of paying extra to bring a small suitcase into the cabin could be numbered.