- New EU cabin bag rules take effect on 23 October 2027.
- Passengers have a legal right to one free personal item up to 40cm by 30cm by 15cm.
- The rules do not mandate free larger overhead cabin bags.
- Airlines must display full prices from the start of booking.
- Refunds must be processed within seven days for delays over five hours.
The European Union has confirmed new air passenger rights regulations will come into effect on 23 October 2027. The rules establish a legal right to bring one personal item such as a small handbag, laptop bag or small rucksack on board at no additional cost. The regulation guarantees a small personal item up to 40cm by 30cm by 15cm that fits under the seat must be free.
The final approved text does not mandate that larger overhead cabin bags must be free for everyone. Airlines including Ryanair and Aer Lingus will be permitted to sell cheaper basic tickets that exclude larger hand luggage. Other changes include upfront pricing, bans on no-show penalties, free typo corrections, free family seating and streamlined refunds within seven days.
Airlines must display the full ticket price including standard luggage allowances from the start of the booking process. Airlines can no longer cancel return tickets or charge penalties if passengers miss the outbound leg. Passengers can correct minor spelling mistakes free of charge up to 48 hours before departure.
