Airlines could be banned from charging extra for hand luggage

Budget airlines could be banned from charging extra for hand luggage (Image: Getty) Ever booked a cheap flight but found the price soared after adding a cabin bag? But extra fees could be a thing of the past in Europe if a new EU law passes. The European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions has adopted a resolution calling on airlines to allow passengers to carry baggage free of charge. An official vote is expected to take place in October which could stop airlines charging for luggage if passed. Rishi Sunak is also reportedly considering regulating the sector to stop excessive extra charges for British tourists. The Prime Minister said there wasn’t ‘the kind of price transparency that you’d expect’ in June. Weight and size restrictions for luggage can vary wildly between airlines and customers can be left paying as much as £60 extra for a piece of hand luggage on some carriers. Ryanair has argued it’s allowed to charge passengers extra (Image: Getty) However, Ryanair has argued against the EU’s proposal with a spokesperson saying the airline had ‘freedom’ to ‘set prices’. Eddie Wilson, Ryanair CEO, said: ‘We are allowed to set the prices of our products, it is a fundamental right according to European law. ‘We have the freedom to set prices. There is not enough space inside the plane for everyone to carry a carry-on suitcase and another under the seat, so we limit it so that those who want to have the comfort of carrying an extra bag, bring it. ‘In the meantime, everyone can bring a bag on board that fits under the seat […] it is the same as in any other business, if in a hotel you want a first-class room, you pay more.’ Ryanair allows passengers to bring a bag 40x20x25cm that fits under the seat in front for free. Passengers have to pay to bring a bag for the overhead locker or to check in a larger piece of luggage. easyJet , Aer Lingus, Jet2 and Wizz Air are among the other major airlines that charge passengers for hand luggage. If the law is passed, base flight fees could rise for passengers if airlines look to make up the difference. Looking for the best deal on hand luggage? Check out Express.co.uk’s handy guide to beat luggage rules .