The European Parliament wants air passengers to be allowed to carry a second cabin bag without incurring extra charges, as part of a package of measures approved by the Transport Committee on Tuesday.
The lawmakers propose that passengers should be allowed to take an additional bag onboard, alongside a handbag, backpack, or laptop (maximum dimensions 40x30x15 cm), without facing extra fees. The extra bag must weigh no more than 7 kilogrammes, and its combined length, width, and height should not exceed 1 cubic metre.
The proposal aims to uphold passengers’ fundamental right to avoid unjustified additional costs, according to Italian Social Democrat Matteo Ricci.
Airlines are not in favour of this measure, and their trade body, Airlines for Europe (A4E), has warned that it might lead to ticket price increases, even for passengers with only one cabin bag.
The legislators also want children under the age of 12 to have a free seat next to their accompanying adult, and for caregivers of people with reduced mobility to travel for free.
All these proposals still need negotiation with the Member States.
The text adopted on Tuesday forms part of a broader revision of passenger rights underway since 2014.
This issue gained new momentum in early June when Member States accepted a proposal for compensation for passengers to start from four hours of delay, instead of the current three hours.
This proposal, too, requires negotiation with the European Parliament.
