18 October 2023: During its plenary session on 4 October 2023, the European Parliament adopted a resolution [1] calling for uniform standards for airline carry-on luggage. The text highlights citizens’ concerns about the inconvenience and discomfort caused by inconsistent rules on airline carry-on luggage.

Different airline rules on hand luggage create hidden fees and make it more difficult for passengers to compare prices. Therefore, when reviewing the current EU Air Services Regulation No 1008/2008, MEPs stressed that the Commission should fully implement the relevant ruling by the Court of Justice of the EU which states that cabin luggage, provided they are of 'reasonable' size and weight, are a 'necessary aspect' of air travel and so passengers should not be charged for them. Additionally, new legislation should also address other hidden costs, for example fees related to seat allocation.

On 17 October 2023, ERA attended a meeting organised by the European Commission (DG MOVE Aviation Policy Unit) with aviation key stakeholders to hear views and reactions on the European Parliament's resolution. ERA has already debriefed its Industry Affairs representatives and will monitor closely any further developments that may occur in the coming weeks related to this issue.