Are low-cost airlines the ultimate bargain for European destinations? Yes, as long as you travel light and compact! How many of us have regretted that round trip to Rome, advertised for the modest sum of €29, which ended up costing us an extra €30 for a single cabin bag. These extra charges allow many airlines to catch up on the original ticket price, and are often deemed unjustified by air travellers and legislators alike. Will we ever be able to drag our little wheeled suitcase through European airports without it costing us an arm and a leg?
Towards the end of chargeable cabin baggage in Europe?
A new decision has reignited this long-running debate. On June 24, the European Parliament’s Transport Committee took a step towards the possibility of free cabin baggage. It adopted a proposal to guarantee the elimination of these additional costs, subject to certain conditions. This means you could always take a small piece of luggage with you (such as a backpack or handbag) and a carry-on bag, provided it does not exceed 7kg and dimensions of width + length + height of 100 cm. We “could”, in the conditional tense, as the application of this measure has not yet been confirmed.
The measure has come up against the disapproval of airlines operating flights in Europe, as well as a number of constraints, including material and commercial constraints. The companies cite the lack of compartments on certain medium-haul aircraft and the threat to their low-cost policy. Be that as it may, this measure must go through several stages (vote in the European Parliament and agreement between member states at a Council meeting) before coming into force, and this is not expected before the end of the year!