EU air passenger rules to change from October 2027
A new EU regulation will let passengers bring one personal item into the cabin at no extra cost, and airlines will have to state ticket prices more clearly. The rules apply from 23 October 2027.
Flight rules in the European Union (EU) will change from autumn 2027: passengers will be guaranteed the right to take one personal item into the aircraft cabin at no extra charge, and airlines will be required to state ticket prices more clearly. The changes affect anyone flying with an airline in the EU and form part of a revision of air passenger rights rules that has been under discussion for more than ten years.
Rules on compensation, assistance and rerouting when flights are delayed or cancelled will also be clarified.
When the regulation takes effect
The new rules are set out in EU Regulation 2026/2202, signed on 16 September 2026 and published on 2 October. It formally enters into force on 22 October 2026, but airlines will only have to apply it from 23 October 2027.
Hand luggage and the personal item
One of the most significant changes concerns cabin baggage. Once the rules apply, every passenger will have the right to bring one personal item on board free of charge.
A personal item is not the same as hand luggage. The regulation defines it as unregistered baggage that meets safety requirements and either does not exceed 40 × 30 × 15 cm or can be placed under the seat in front. Examples include a small bag, a laptop bag or a backpack.
Carrying standard hand luggage free of charge, by contrast, is not guaranteed, so airlines may continue to charge extra for it.
