EU Cabin Bag Rules Change in 2027 - but Not Every Bag Is Free

Passengers on flights covered by EU rules will get new cabin-baggage rights from 23 October 2027, but the change will not make every carry-on bag free. Airlines must allow one personal item at no extra charge and show a fare that includes a larger piece of hand baggage before booking begins. They may still offer a cheaper fare to anyone who chooses to travel without that larger bag.

The guaranteed free item can be a handbag, backpack or similar bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15cm, or one that fits under the seat in front. A larger cabin bag is covered separately. The final law does not include the proposed universal allowance of a free 7kg bag with combined dimensions of 100cm, which appeared during earlier negotiations.

What Changes From 23 October 2027

• Personal item: One carried at no extra cost.
• Size: Up to 40 x 30 x 15cm, or small enough to fit under the seat.
• Larger cabin bag: Not automatically free.
• Booking: A fare including hand baggage must appear by default.
• Cheaper fare: Airlines may still offer tickets without hand baggage.

The rules cover flights leaving an EU airport regardless of the airline. A flight from the UK into the EU is covered when it is operated by an EU carrier. That means the two legs of the same UK–EU return trip can fall under different rules, so checking the operating airline matters just as much as checking the route printed on the booking.

UK travellers should therefore compare the baggage allowance on each leg rather than assuming the same entitlement applies both ways. The guaranteed gain is a free personal item and clearer pricing when a larger cabin bag is included. Airlines can still sell cheaper hand-baggage-free fares, so the headline price may remain lower than the fare most people actually choose once luggage is added.