New rules of the European Commission for Transport (Tran) of the European Parliament on hand luggage were recently adopted. Passengers will have the right to bring two types of luggage for free.
The proposal was voted with a large majority. Photo: Pixabay
According to new regulations, travelers will have the right to bring two types of luggage for free:
– a small personal object (maximum 40x30x15 cm)
– a small hand luggage, with a total size of maximum 100 cm (length + width + height) and weight up to 7 kg.
The measure comes in the context in which several airlines, especially the low-cost ones, have reduced in recent years the dimensions and weight of free luggage on board, arousing the dissatisfaction of travelers, notes Skytg24.
Low-cost companies warn that tickets could be expensive
Although the measure seems to be in favor of passengers, the AICICF Association, which represents the low-cost airlines, warned that the compulsory inclusion of a higher hand luggage in the basic rate could lead to increased ticket prices, eliminate freedom to choose passengers and to operational problems related to the lack of space in the cabin.
“About 50% of travelers choose to bring on board only the personal article, precisely to benefit from more advantageous tariffs. If the new regulation becomes law, they would all pay for a service that many do not intend to use.” declared Alessandro Fonti, president of AICICF.
He also draws attention to the fact that there is space in the plane cabin, on average, only for a hand luggage on two passengers, which could lead to the need to board the luggage at the last moment – something that generates delays.
If it is permanently adopted, the new legislative package promises to harmonize the rights of passengers throughout the European Union.
Other provisions of the legislative package
In addition to regulating luggage, the proposal of the transport commission brings other important changes for EU passengers:
– Total transparency of the ticket price: Agencies and intermediaries will be obliged to display the full price, including commissions.
– Unique reimbursement form: In case of modification of the flight, passengers will receive a pre -compliant form within a maximum of 48 hours.
– clarification of exceptions from compensation: the list will include situations such as natural disasters, wars or extreme weather conditions, but not the internal strikes of the personnel of the airlines, which will continue to be considered the operator’s responsibility.
– Special protection for children and people with disabilities: children under 12 will be automatically placed near their parents, without additional costs, and the companions of people with low mobility will travel for free.
The proposal was voted with a large majority: 38 for, 2 against and 2 abstentions. Negotiations with the EU Council, which must approve the final form of the regulation are now followed before its entry into force.
