EU Free Cabin Bags Rule Takes Effect in 2027
A new EU regulation will guarantee airline passengers free cabin baggage on flights departing EU airports starting October 23, 2027.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Europe
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Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 guarantees passengers two pieces of luggage on board free of extra charge, including a small personal item and a larger overhead bag. The rule takes effect October 23, 2027 and applies to all flights departing EU airports.
Why it matters
The regulation could reshape how airlines price fares, since budget carriers rely on low base fares paired with charges for extras. Jetstar, meanwhile, will halve its economy carry-on allowance from February 2, 2027.
The regulation caps underseat bags at 40 x 30 x 15 centimetres, while Qantas' economy international overhead bag is limited to 56 x 23 x 36 centimetres and seven kilograms. Ryanair earns close to a third of its revenue from ancillary charges.
The players
Ryanair
Ryanair is a major low-cost European airline whose current free carry-on is a single underseat bag, and whose business relies heavily on ancillary fees.
Jetstar
Jetstar is a low-cost subsidiary of Qantas Group based in Australia that will halve its economy carry-on allowance from February 2027.
Qantas
Qantas is Australia's flagship airline whose economy international carry-on includes one overhead bag plus one underseat item.
The details
Each airline must state the size, weight or number of items allowed on board, and EU carriers will have to advertise fares that include two cabin bags. Airlines could offer a late-booking discount to passengers who choose only an underseat bag, and bags that do not fit in overhead lockers may be sent to the hold if overhead bag volume rises.
Timeline
October 23, 2027: EU free cabin baggage regulation takes effect.
February 2, 2027: Jetstar halves its economy carry-on allowance, removing the main bag.
Market Landscape
The regulation directly confronts the budget airline model of low base fares paired with paid extras, a model Ryanair has built its revenue around. Carriers such as Jetstar are simultaneously tightening their own allowances, signaling a competitive shift in how cabin baggage is priced across the sector.
Travelers booking flights from EU airports after the regulation takes effect may be able to bring two bags on board without paying extra. Passengers flying Jetstar from February 2027 should check the new carry-on limits before packing.
The takeaway
Travelers should check the carry-on policy of each airline before booking, since allowances will differ until the EU rule applies. Fares that look cheap may still add costs if extra bags are charged separately.
What happens next
The regulation takes effect October 23, 2027, and Jetstar's carry-on change begins February 2, 2027.
Further reading
Explore more on Europe to see how this rule could affect flights across the continent.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAtoday.
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