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SOME airlines, especially in Europe, have special rules for passenger baggage. One such rule is an additional fee for carrying bags into the aircraft cabin. However, the European Union plans to change these rules, as well as other flight rules.
According to Express, under the new rules, passengers can bring bags into the cabin for free. Airlines will not be able to charge passengers for bringing bags on board. Currently, Ryanair allows one free personal item measuring 40x20x25 centimeters, while easyJet allows one free personal item measuring 45x36x20 centimeters, including wheels and handles.
Cabin baggage rules
According to the new rules, however, the concept of free baggage will be limited to “personal items” that can fit under the front seat. These items can be no larger than 40x30x15 cm, including wheels and handles. Meanwhile, there is no mention of size or cost for bags placed in the overhead locker.
This rule will apply to EU-based airlines when carrying passengers from non-EU countries. However, the governments of Spain, Germany, Slovenia, and Portugal oppose the change, warning that it could result in passengers paying more for almost all cabin bags.
Spain’s Minister for Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and Agenda 2030, Pablo Bustinduy, said the rule would violate consumer rights and only strengthen the power and profits of airlines.
Compensation Rules
In addition to the rules on the standard size of free baggage in the aircraft cabin, the Council of the European Union also regulates compensation for passengers. The rules stipulate that compensation is given only to passengers experiencing a delay of four hours instead of three. Meanwhile, for long-haul flights, compensation is given if the delay is six hours or more.
According to the Mirror, passengers who experience short-haul flight delays will receive compensation ranging from €250 (around IDR4.6 million) to €300 (around IDR5.6 million). For long-haul flights, however, the compensation will be reduced from €600 (around IDR11.3 million) to €500 (around IDR9.3 million). [sources/photo special]
