Many of us have been tempted by the allure of a budget flight to Europe, and sometimes that enticing £19.99 fare can even dictate our choice of holiday destination. Yet, while the ticket price may be low, additional charges such as booking amendments, seat reservations and, of course, luggage fees can quickly mount up.

In a bid to keep costs down, travellers are constantly seeking out hacks, tips and tricks to avoid paying for a cabin bag on a budget airline, or to make the most of the standard under-the-seat allowance.

Now, however, a landmark EU change to air passenger rights could mean that a cabin bag becomes free to bring on board — potentially forcing the likes of Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet to overhaul their current policies.

What is the new travel rule?

After nearly a decade of negotiations, the European Council and the European Parliament have reached a landmark agreement entitling passengers to carry free hand luggage on board. This is in addition to the one small personal bag that must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.

The new ruling means travellers will no longer be caught out by unnecessary hidden costs, as airlines will be obliged to include both the flight fare and luggage costs as standard before customers begin the booking process. The measure is designed to bring greater transparency to ticket pricing and prevent airlines from advertising a low fare that can escalate considerably once baggage fees are factored in.

What does it mean for passengers?

Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, aviation expert James Doyle (FRAeS) explained: "You'll be entitled to one free personal item (max 40cm x 30cm x 15cm - typically under-seat handbag/backpack/laptop bag) plus one small wheeled cabin bag (widely expected to follow the 7 kg and 100 cm combined dimensions from the parliamentary position)."

The European Council of the EU outlined: "To create price transparency, air fares including allowance for a piece of hand baggage shall be displayed by default before the start of any booking process to facilitate fare comparisons between airlines."

Does it apply to all flights?

Regrettably, no. UK carriers such as easyJet, British Airways and Jet2 would only be required to comply with the regulation on flights returning from the EU to the UK — meaning British travellers could still face hand luggage charges on one leg of their trip. James caveated: "The rules apply most clearly to EU airlines and flights within the EU; long-haul, non-EU carriers, or certain UK–EU routes may have partial or delayed coverage."

What does it mean for flight prices?

James explained: "Low-cost carriers will almost certainly raise standard ticket prices to recover lost revenue from baggage fees. The real saving depends on comparing the total cost (including any 'no wheeled bag' discount option). Light travellers who previously paid €20–60+ for priority/small cabin bags may benefit most; those who always flew with just a personal item might see little net gain or even pay more."

The expert added: "Carriers must let you choose a cheaper fare if you decline the small wheeled bag during booking - useful if you only need the personal item."

When does the rule come into force?

At present, this remains a proposal, though it is anticipated that should it be officially adopted, the changes could be rolled out within a year. The Founder and CEO of Boston Warwick, James, said: "Current cabin bag fees (common with Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet, etc.) remain fully in force for all 2026 and most 2027 bookings.

"Airlines won't overhaul policies overnight; expect possible early marketing spin, inconsistent gate enforcement during rollout, and a period of confusion or disputes as staff and systems adapt. Check your specific flight's terms closer to travel."

Issuing a cautionary note to travellers, James said: "At the same time, watch for airlines shifting revenue elsewhere (higher seat-selection fees, priority boarding charges, stricter change/cancellation rules, or new "basic" fare tiers)."

Offering further guidance, James said: "This is broadly passenger-friendly and ends the worst 'gotcha' cabin-bag fees, but it's not a pure win for everyone. Always compare the full journey price, pack and measure to the new standards, and treat 2027 as the real start date rather than assuming instant change."