EU Free Cabin Bag Rules 2027 – New Carry-on Law Explained ​

From some point in 2027 every airline that flies from an EU airport must let every passenger bring one small cabin bag and one personal item on board for free. The free bags must be included in the first price you see when you book. Airlines can still sell cheaper tickets without the free cabin bag but you must choose to give it up — it cannot be hidden from you.

This page explains what we know right now. The final law text has not been published yet so some details may change. We update this page when new information comes out.

Based on public information from June and July 2026. The final rules depend on the official EU publication. Always check with your airline before you fly.

The Short Answer: Will My Bag Be Free in 2027 ​

If your carry-on bag measures 100 cm or less in total (length plus width plus height) and weighs 7 kg or less, it will very likely be free on all EU flights from 2027. Your personal item must be 40 × 30 × 15 cm or smaller and fit under the seat. Both items must be included in the base fare price shown at the start of booking.

If you want to fly for less money and do not need the free cabin bag you can choose a lower fare that gives up the free bag. This opt out must be clear and you must agree to it.

What Is Changing and Why ​

The Old Problem ​

Until now airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air could sell base fares that only included a small under-seat bag. If you showed up with a normal wheeled carry-on suitcase you had to pay extra at the gate — often between €25 and €70. Many travellers felt tricked because the cheap price they saw was not the real price they paid.

The New Rule ​

The EU Parliament and Council agreed on changes to the air passenger rights law in June 2026. The European Parliament approved the text in early July 2026. The key points for cabin bags are:

1. Free cabin bag as standard — Every passenger gets one standard wheeled carry-on bag included in the default fare that is shown first when you book.
2. Free personal item — A small bag up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm that fits under the seat.
3. Price transparency — The price you first see when you search for flights must include the free cabin bag. Airlines cannot hide the real cost.
4. Opt-out allowed — Airlines can still offer a cheaper fare without the free cabin bag but you must choose it yourself.
5. No surprise gate fees — If you booked a fare that includes a cabin bag and your bag meets the size and weight limits, the airline cannot charge you extra for it at the gate.

What the Law Does NOT Say ​

Some news reports say the law will "force" airlines to give everyone a free large bag forever. That is not quite right. The law says airlines must show the price with the bag included as the default. You can still pick a cheaper ticket without the bag. The change is about transparency and making the included bag the standard not the exception.

Size and Weight Limits Under the New Rules ​

The 100 cm total size comes from adding the three sides together. For example:

• 55 × 40 × 20 cm = 115 cm total → too big
• 55 × 35 × 20 cm = 110 cm total → too big
• 50 × 35 × 20 cm = 105 cm total → too big
• 45 × 35 × 20 cm = 100 cm total → just fits
• 48 × 34 × 18 cm = 100 cm total → fits

Will My Current Cabin Bag Pass ​

Most standard cabin suitcases sold today are around 55 × 40 × 20 cm which equals 115 cm total. Under the 100 cm limit these will not qualify as free. This is the single most important thing to know. Many bags that are now sold as "carry-on size" may be above the new free allowance.

You should measure your bag now. Add the length plus the width plus the height in centimetres. If the total is over 100 cm you may need a smaller bag or you may need to pay the opt-out cheaper fare with no free cabin bag.

Measuring Your Bag the Right Way ​

1. Use a soft measuring tape or a ruler.
2. Measure the bag standing up. Include the wheels and the handle.
3. Write down length × width × height in centimetres.
4. Add the three numbers together.
5. If the total is 100 or less your bag should be fine under the new rules.

Soft bags and backpacks are easier because they can be squashed to fit. Hard shell suitcases are harder because the shape is fixed. If you are buying a new suitcase for 2027 travel look for bags with a total of 100 cm or less.

Timeline: When Will the Rules Start ​

The regulation enters into force 20 days after it is published in the Official Journal. After that, EU countries and airlines have one year to prepare for implementation. If published in late 2026 the rules become fully binding around August 2027. The most common estimate in the media is mid to late 2027.

The exact start date depends on when the text appears in the Official Journal. We will update this page when the date is known.

Which Airlines and Flights Are Covered ​

The new rules apply to:

• All flights leaving from any airport in the European Union no matter which airline operates the flight.
• All flights flying into the EU that are operated by an airline licensed in the EU.

This means the rules cover:

• Ryanair flights from Dublin to London — yes
• Ryanair flights from London to Dublin — yes (departing from an EU airport)
• easyJet flights from Berlin to Barcelona — yes
• Wizz Air flights from Warsaw to Rome — yes
• Air France flights from New York to Paris (operated by EU carrier) — yes
• Delta flights from New York to Paris (operated by non-EU carrier) — no
• Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul (not EU) to Amsterdam — it depends on the final text details

What About the UK ​

The United Kingdom left the EU and does not have to follow EU air passenger laws. However if a UK airline flies from an EU airport the EU rules apply to that flight. For flights that start in the UK:

• UK airlines may choose to follow similar rules but they do not have to.
• The UK has its own air passenger rights laws and may make changes later.

What About Connecting Flights ​

If your trip starts in the EU the whole journey is covered by EU rules. But if you change planes outside the EU on a non-EU airline different rules may apply for later legs. Always check with the airline that runs each part of your flight.

Easy Impact: Winners and Losers ​

Travellers Win ​

• You know the real price from the first click.
• No more surprise €50 gate fees for bringing a normal carry-on bag.
• You can compare airlines more easily because the base offer is the same.
• Families get free seat allocation so children under 14 sit with their accompanying adult at no extra charge.

Low Cost Airlines Face the Biggest Change ​

• Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air built their business on charging extra for cabin bags.
• Their base fares will probably go up to cover the cost of the free bag.
• They may create new fare types or change what "basic" means.

Full Service Airlines See Small Changes ​

• Airlines like Lufthansa, Air France and KLM already include a cabin bag in most fares so the change is smaller for them.

What the Airlines Are Saying ​

Airlines warn that prices will rise because the cost of carrying bags must be spread across all tickets. Passenger groups say the real cost increase per ticket will be small maybe a few euros and the benefit of clear pricing is worth it.

What You Should Do Now in Summer 2026 ​

1. Do not panic buy a new suitcase yet. The final size rules could still change slightly before the law is published.
2. Measure your current carry-on bag. Know its total size in centimetres.
3. Book flights as normal for 2026 travel. The new rules do not apply before 2027 at the earliest.
4. Read your booking carefully for 2027 flights. Airlines may start changing their fare rules before the law starts.
5. If you fly often on budget airlines think about buying a smaller cabin bag (total ≤ 100 cm) when the rules are confirmed.
6. Check this page for updates. We track the official publication and airline announcements.

Common Mistakes People Make ​

"The law forces airlines to give everyone a free big bag." — Not quite. Airlines must show the price with the bag as default. You can still pick a cheaper fare that gives up the bag. The change is about transparency not about forcing the same product on everyone.

"All my current carry-ons will be free." — Probably not. Most standard cabin bags are 55 × 40 × 20 cm which is 115 cm total. The new rules say 100 cm total. Many bags sold as "carry-on size" today will not meet the new free standard.

"The rules start in January 2027." — Almost certainly not. The law must be published in the Official Journal first and then there is about a 12 month wait before it starts.

Frequently Asked Questions ​

Will Ryanair carry-on be free in 2027? ​

Yes but only the standard cabin bag up to 100 cm total and 7 kg. If your bag is larger or heavier Ryanair can still charge you. Ryanair will also still sell a cheaper fare without the free bag if you choose to give it up. Learn more on our dedicated Ryanair EU 2027 baggage rules page.

Does the 100 cm include the wheels? ​

Yes. The total size is measured with wheels handles and all fixed parts. This is the same rule airlines use now.

What if my bag is 102 cm total? ​

Technically it would not qualify under the 100 cm rule. But soft bags can be squeezed and a few centimetres over might pass. Hard case bags that are over the limit are a bigger risk.

Will connecting flights outside the EU be covered? ​

If your journey starts in the EU and you have one booking the EU rules cover the first leg. Check with your airline about legs outside the EU on non-EU carriers.

Is the 7 kg weight limit confirmed? ​

Most media reports and EU documents point to 7 kg as the standard weight limit. This number may be written into the final law text or it may be left to airlines to set their own limits. 7 kg is the most common limit used by European airlines today.

Will basic fares go up in price? ​

Airlines say yes. Some media analysts predict base fares could go up by €5 to €15 on budget airlines. The exact amount will depend on the airline the route and how much competition there is. Passengers who never bring a cabin bag can still pick the cheaper opt-out fare and should not see a price increase.

Sources and Official References ​

• European Parliament press release (3 July 2026)
• European Commission statement (15 June 2026)
• Euronews report (7 July 2026)

Last updated: July 2026. Based on EU Parliament approval from early July 2026 and Council provisional agreement from June 2026. Final rules depend on publication in the Official Journal of the EU. This page is for information only and is not legal advice. Check your airline's website before you fly.