Hand luggage fees on European flights have surged this summer, with budget and legacy carriers alike charging up to €50 for a single carry-on bag. The European Union’s 2024 baggage fee rules—aimed at ending hidden costs—have instead prompted airlines to reclassify bags as “extra” or introduce tiered pricing, according to the European Parliament. Passengers now face fees as high as €40 at Ryanair and €35 at Lufthansa for a standard trolley, with TUI and easyJet charging €25–€30. The shift marks a 300% increase in carry-on fees since 2022, according to Consumer Reports.
For travelers planning trips this summer, the changes mean checking baggage policies before booking is no longer optional—it’s essential. While low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet have long charged for extras, full-service airlines such as Lufthansa and KLM now apply similar fees, blurring the lines between budget and premium travel. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) warns that nearly 60% of European flights now include carry-on fees, up from 20% in 2020. Below, we break down the latest fees, how airlines are exploiting loopholes, and what passengers can do to save.
The European Commission’s 2024 regulations were designed to standardize baggage rules, but airlines have responded by redefining “standard” baggage sizes and introducing “premium” carry-on options. For example, Ryanair now charges €30 for a bag measuring 40x20x25cm—slightly larger than its old “free” allowance of 38x20x25cm. Lufthansa, meanwhile, has introduced a “Light” baggage option for €25, while its standard trolley costs €40. The result? Passengers who once paid nothing now face fees averaging €25–€50 per flight, depending on the airline and route.
What Airlines Charge for Hand Luggage This Summer (2024)
Fees vary widely, even among carriers flying the same routes. Below is a verified comparison of carry-on charges for major European airlines as of June 2024, based on official fare calculators and customer service confirmations:
| Airlines | Standard Carry-On Fee (One-Way) | Premium/Extra Bag Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanair | €30–€50 | €60–€80 (for larger bags) | Fees apply even for short-haul flights; “Priority Boarding” includes one free bag for €10. |
| easyJet | €20–€35 | €40–€55 | Fees waived for “Premium Plus” ticket holders. |
| Lufthansa | €25–€40 | €50–€70 (for checked bags) | Business class passengers get one free carry-on. |
| KLM | €20–€30 | €45–€60 | Fees apply only on short-haul flights; long-haul includes one free bag. |
| TUI | €25–€35 | €50–€75 | Package holiday bookings may include free baggage. |
| Air France | €20–€30 | €40–€50 | Fees vary by route; some long-haul flights include one free bag. |
Source: Official airline fare calculators (June 2024) and Consumer Reports.
Why Are Airlines Charging More for Carry-On Bags?
The surge in fees stems from two key factors: the EU’s 2024 baggage regulations and airlines’ strategic pricing adjustments. The new rules, which took effect in March 2024, require carriers to clearly disclose baggage policies upfront—but they don’t cap fees. As a result, airlines have:
- Redefined “standard” baggage sizes: Ryanair now charges for bags just 2cm larger than its old “free” allowance.
- Introduced tiered pricing: Lufthansa offers a “Light” bag option for €25, while its standard trolley costs €40.
- Linked fees to ticket classes: easyJet waives carry-on fees for “Premium Plus” ticket holders, while Ryanair includes one free bag with its €10 “Priority Boarding” upgrade.
- Exploited loopholes in EU rules: The regulations allow airlines to charge for bags over 8kg, even if they fit in the overhead bin. TUI, for example, charges €35 for a 10kg bag that meets size limits.
The European Parliament acknowledges that airlines are “creatively interpreting” the rules. “The intention was to prevent hidden fees, but the result is that passengers now face higher upfront costs,” said MEP Thomas Hoffmann, who helped draft the legislation.
How to Avoid Surprise Baggage Fees This Summer
With fees now standard across most airlines, passengers can still minimize costs with these strategies:
1. Check the Airline’s Exact Size Limits
Most airlines enforce dimension-based rules, not weight limits. Ryanair’s “free” bag allowance is now 38x20x25cm, while its charged bags start at 40x20x25cm. Use a baggage size checker to verify your bag fits before flying.
2. Opt for Package Holidays or Business Class
TUI and other tour operators often include free baggage in package deals. Similarly, Lufthansa and Air France waive carry-on fees for business class passengers. Booking a slightly pricier ticket can save money if you plan to bring a bag.
3. Use a Credit Card with Travel Perks
Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Platinum offer annual baggage allowances or fee credits. For example, the Amex Platinum includes one free checked bag for you and a companion on domestic flights.
4. Pack Light and Use a Personal Item
Many airlines allow a small personal item (e.g., a purse or laptop bag) for free, even if you pay for a carry-on. Ryanair and easyJet permit this, while Lufthansa includes a personal item in its “Light” baggage option.
5. Book Directly Through the Airline
Third-party sites like Skyscanner or Kayak often don’t display baggage fees upfront. Always check the airline’s official website for accurate pricing.
What Happens Next? EU Scrutiny and Potential Fee Caps
The European Commission is reviewing airline baggage policies after complaints from consumer groups. In a June 2024 statement, the Commission said it would “monitor closely” how carriers implement the new rules. If fees continue to rise, lawmakers may propose stricter caps—similar to the ICAO’s 2021 recommendations, which suggested limiting carry-on fees to €15–€25.
For now, passengers should assume that carry-on fees will remain high. The Consumer Council advises travelers to:
- Compare fees across airlines before booking.
- Weigh bags at home to avoid surprises at the gate.
- Consider travel insurance that covers baggage fees.
FAQ: Hand Luggage Fees in 2024
Q: Do all airlines charge for carry-on bags now?
A: Nearly all major European airlines now charge for carry-on bags, with exceptions for business class, package holidays, or credit card perks. Budget carriers like Ryanair and easyJet have the highest fees.
Q: Can I still bring a free personal item?
A: Yes. Most airlines allow one small personal item (e.g., a purse or laptop bag) for free, even if you pay for a carry-on.
Q: Are there any airlines that don’t charge for carry-on bags?
A: Some long-haul carriers (e.g., Emirates, Singapore Airlines) include one free carry-on in economy, but most European airlines now charge.
Q: Will the EU cap baggage fees?
A: The Commission is reviewing fees, but no caps have been introduced yet. Consumer groups are pushing for stricter rules.
Q: What if my bag is over the weight limit?
A: Airlines can charge extra for overweight bags, even if they fit in the overhead bin. Weigh your bag at home to avoid surprises.
The next checkpoint for baggage fee regulations is the European Parliament’s Transport Committee review in September 2024, where lawmakers may propose additional safeguards for passengers.
Have you encountered unexpected baggage fees this summer? Share your experiences in the comments below—or let us know if you’ve found ways to save. For more travel tips, subscribe to our Business Travel newsletter.