Expensive short trip: EU wants to charge for hand luggage - what holidaymakers need to know now

Rip-offs above the clouds? What the new rules mean

The EU has introduced new passenger rules - and they could be expensive for holidaymakers. According to a recent decision by EU transport ministers, only one small piece of hand luggage will be allowed on board free of charge in future, and only if it fits under the seat. Airlines will be allowed to charge for anything over and above this - such as the typical trolley for the overhead compartment.

The aim of the new regulation is to standardize the rules within the EU, as hand baggage regulations have been a wild mess up to now. Sounds sensible - but for consumers this could mean paying more for less service.

"More rights" for air passengers - but at what price?

Poland's Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak speaks of a "milestone": for the first time in twelve years, a new package has been agreed that guarantees passengers over 30 new rights. These include, among others:

• an obligation to reroute flights quickly in the event of flight cancellations - even by train or bus if necessary,
• Refunds of up to 400 percent of the flight price if no alternative is offered within 3 hours,
• better care in the event of delays (food, accommodation, assistance),
• and an obligation to respond to complaints within 14 days.

But as good as that sounds, there is also a downside: the consumer organization BEUC is sounding the alarm. In their opinion, the new rules deprive many passengers of compensation claims because the thresholds for delays and cancellations have been raised in some cases. Even more explosive: The planned hand baggage fees could violate EU law - because according to an earlier ruling by the European Court of Justice, a certain amount of hand baggage must be free of charge.

Hand luggage as a business model - who benefits?

Critics see the new fee plans as an invitation to low-cost airlines to increase their revenues at the expense of customers. Many airlines already earn more with additional services - i.e. for seat selection, snacks or baggage - than with the tickets themselves.

The BEUC has therefore already submitted a complaint to the EU Commission. The additional costs could be particularly noticeable for families and frequent travelers - especially at a time when flying has become significantly more expensive anyway.

Nothing has been finally decided yet: The EU Parliament must first approve the plans. Only then can the official negotiations between the Council, Parliament and Commission begin.

No more small print in suitcases!

What is being sold here as a "milestone" is actually a step backwards in terms of consumer rights. The fact that you will soon have to pay extra for a normal piece of hand luggage is a real outrage. Anyone who flies regularly knows that the small print is already a test of patience - from baggage chaos to the seat lottery.

If the legislator does not clearly protect the interests of passengers here, it opens the door to rip-offs on the backs of holidaymakers. Uniform rules - yes. But not at the expense of travelers.