Free suitcase up to 7 kg? New EU regulations don't guarantee that.

A free suitcase up to 7 kg will not become a mandatory addition to every flight ticket. This provision was included in an earlier European Parliament position, but it did not make it into the final regulation. The new law guarantees the free carriage of one small personal item, such as a backpack or handbag.

However, the way prices are presented will change: the default offer will have to include a larger carry-on bag. Passengers will still be able to choose a cheaper fare without it. The new rules will come into effect on October 23, 2027., therefore they do not change the conditions of current travel.

A free suitcase up to 7 kg was offered

In January 2026, the European Parliament voted in favor of allowing passengers to take a personal item and larger cabin baggage free of charge. The proposed limit was 7 kg, and the combined dimensions of the suitcase were to not exceed 100 cm.

However, this was Parliament's negotiating position, not the final adopted regulation. Further talks with the EU Council led to a different solution.

The final text eliminates the obligation to carry an additional suitcase weighing up to 7 kg free of charge. Information presenting this earlier proposal as adopted law may therefore be misleading to travelers.

What will you be able to take without extra charge?

The regulation guarantees the free carriage of one personal item. This may be a small backpack, handbag, laptop bag, or similar item.

The definition covers an item with maximum dimensions 40 × 30 × 15 cm or one that fits under the seat in front of the passengerIt must also meet safety requirements.

It's worth noting the word "or." The specified dimensions aren't the only requirement stipulated in the regulation. The regulation also allows for the transport of an item that fits under the seat.

Larger carry-on baggage is regulated separately. The right to take it into the cabin, subject to cabin capacity, does not imply an obligation to offer it at no additional charge in every fare.

The price with the suitcase will be visible from the beginning

The most important change for those comparing tickets concerns the way offers are presented. By default, the displayed price will have to include the allowance for one larger piece of carry-on luggage.

Airlines and travel agents will still be able to offer cheaper travel options without this baggage. However, passengers should choose this option consciously.

This is a significant difference. Including a suitcase in the displayed price doesn't mean the carrier can't charge for it. The cost may already be included in the displayed fare.

For travelers, this means easier comparison of offers. The price of a ticket with a suitcase will be visible before booking, instead of only appearing after adding additional services.

Changes only from October 23, 2027

EU Regulation 2026/2202 was published in the Official Journal on 2 October 2026. It will enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication, but its provisions will only apply from October 23, 2027.

The entry into force of the act and the start of application of the new rules are therefore two different dates.

People purchasing tickets now cannot claim a free extra bag under this amendment. Before traveling, please check the baggage allowance for your specific fare and the terms and conditions of your chosen carrier.

The amendment also covers other passenger rights.

The changes also apply to boarding passes, correction of minor errors in booking data and return flight protection when a passenger has missed an earlier flight under the same contract of carriage.

Carriers will also have additional information obligations following a travel disruption. Passengers will be provided with information about their potential right to compensation and how to submit a claim.

In the case of luggage, the most important thing is to distinguish between two things: a small personal item transported without an additional fee and a larger cabin suitcase, the cost of which will be included in the default offer presented.

Sources: EUR-Lex, European Parliament, Council of the EU.