EU hand luggage rules are expected to change by the end of 2027, with passengers set to gain clearer rights over what they can take on board without an additional charge.
Speaking on Sigma TV’s “Mesimeri kai Kati”, Virginia Christou, legal adviser to the Cyprus Consumers Association, explained the changes expected to affect travellers across the European Union.
Under the new rules, a small personal bag, such as a shoulder backpack stored under the seat, will be considered an essential part of the passenger’s belongings and should not be subject to an additional charge.
However, airlines will retain the right to charge passengers for larger cabin bags, including wheeled suitcases.
Clearer rules on cancelled flights
The changes will also affect the circumstances under which airlines can cancel flights.
According to Christou, exceptional circumstances allowing airlines to cancel flights will be covered by a specific list. This is intended to give passengers greater clarity over whether they are entitled to compensation when a flight is cancelled.
The clearer framework is expected to help consumers determine their rights in different situations.
What happens with overbooking?
Christou also addressed the practice of airlines selling more tickets than the number of available seats on a flight.
Airlines argue that some passengers do not ultimately show up for their flights, potentially leaving seats empty. Since carriers incur the cost of operating flights regardless of the number of passengers, overbooking is used to help ensure full capacity.
In cases of overbooking, passengers who agree to give up their seats do so voluntarily.
If no passenger volunteers, travellers may be selected to remain at the airport and are entitled to compensation based on the distance of the flight.
Christou gave the example of a passenger voluntarily giving up a flight from Brussels to Cyprus, saying compensation in such a case could amount to €400 based on the distance involved.
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