Carry-on luggage fees could soon be banned in Europe

Planning your Europe trip might soon be easier, as an official vote is held to ban airlines from charging one annoying fee.

Carry-on baggage fees could soon be a thing of the past in Europe.

The EU Parliament will vote on whether to adopt a draft resolution addressing the issue in Strasbourg, France on Wednesday, local time.

It comes after the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions unanimously voted in favour of the draft resolution that considers hand baggage a “necessary aspect” of airline travel – on the condition that the bag meets “reasonable requirements” in terms of its weight and dimensions – and therefore airlines cannot charge a fee.

While Aussies would not be used to paying for basic carry-on baggage domestically, they may be familiar with the pesky fees when travelling overseas.

The European Parliament will soon vote on whether airlines will have to allow passengers to take carry-on baggage for free. Picture: Mario Tama/Getty Images/AFP

The draft resolution was adopted by the committee because of citizens’ concerns about the inconvenience and discomfort caused by inconsistent rules on carry-on luggage, a press release about the decision explained.

Members of European Parliament (MEPs) said different airline rules on allowed luggage made it more difficult to transparently compare prices.

The draft resolution also calls for all airlines to have at least a minimum common standard dimension for carry-on luggage, which would simplify things for travellers with connecting flights across different airlines.

Some European airlines like Ryanair charge passengers to bring carry-on for the overhead lockers. Picture: iStock

While travellers may be celebrating the proposal, the boss of budget airline Ryanair isn’t.

He argued airlines had the freedom to set prices for products, according to local media.

“There is not enough space inside the plane for everyone to carry a carry-on suitcase and another under the seat, so we limit it so that those who want to have the comfort of carrying an extra bag, bring it,” he said, as per UK newspaper Daily Express.

“In the meantime, everyone can bring a bag on board that fits under the seat.”

Ryanair allows all passengers to travel with one small personal bag that fits under the seat (40x20x25cm).

Additional carry-on baggage like a small suitcase for the overhead locker comes at an additional cost.

In Australia, budget airline Jetstar’s cheapest fare allows a main item, such as a suitcase for the overhead locker, and a personal item, such as a handbag under the seat, for no extra cost if it is under 7kg.

Virgin Australia, Qantas and Rex fares all include carry-on and check-in baggage.