EasyJet Hand Luggage Rules Could Change by 2027 Under New EU Passenger Rights Reform

A new EU passenger rights agreement could require airlines to show fares with hand baggage included by default. Here is what travellers need to know

Budget airline passengers across Europe could soon see a major change in the way hand luggage is priced and displayed during flight bookings. Under the latest EU passenger rights agreement, airlines may be required to show fares with a hand baggage allowance included by default before the start of the booking process.

The changes are expected to apply from 2027, subject to formal adoption and final legal wording. While this does not necessarily mean every larger cabin bag will become free in the traditional sense, it could change how cabin-bag charges are displayed and potentially reduce separate add-on fees during booking.

For low-cost carriers like easyJet, the proposed legislation represents one of the most significant changes to ancillary pricing the budget aviation sector has seen in years.​​​​​​​

Under easyJet’s existing baggage policy, passengers booked on the airline’s lowest standard fares are entitled to bring one small under-seat bag free of charge. Travellers wishing to bring a larger overhead cabin bag — the type many passengers consider a standard carry-on — must pay an additional fee, choose a fare that includes it, or hold an eligible membership benefit.

These extra charges can add a considerable cost to what initially appears to be an affordable fare, particularly on popular short-haul routes where many passengers travel with cabin luggage only and have no need for hold baggage.​​​​​​​

There is an important distinction that UK-based passengers need to be aware of. As these reforms are driven by EU legislation, they are expected to apply to flights departing from EU airports, flights within the EU, and certain flights arriving in the EU, depending on the operating airline.

UK travellers flying out of destinations such as Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, or Greece may therefore be covered under the new rules when starting their journey from an EU airport.

However, UK departures are not automatically covered by EU reforms. Following Brexit, the UK operates its own independent framework for passenger rights. No equivalent UK legislation has been confirmed at this stage, meaning easyJet routes originating from British airports may not be subject to the same requirements unless the UK government introduces corresponding protections.​​​​​​​

The reforms are currently expected to take effect in 2027, though the precise implementation date remains subject to formal adoption and the final legal wording. Airlines are likely to be granted time to update their fare structures, booking platforms, and terms and conditions ahead of full compliance.

Until the new rules are formally confirmed and in place, passengers are advised to review easyJet’s current baggage policy carefully before booking. Cabin bag fees can vary by route, fare type, booking date, and availability.​​​​​​​

For expert flight booking support and help finding the right fare with the right inclusions, get in touch with the team at Crystal Travel today.