If confirmed in further negotiations with EU member states, passengers will be allowed to bring a bag weighing up to seven kilograms, along with one smaller personal item that fits under the seat, reports Sombor.info.
This amendment is strongly opposed by airline lobby groups, who warn that the regulation could pressure carriers to raise ticket prices, even for passengers with minimal luggage.
"The European Parliament should allow passengers to decide for themselves which services they want, what they are willing to pay for, and what they do not want," said the managing director of the Airlines for Europe (A4E) lobby group, Urania Georgoutsakou, in a statement before the vote.
Members of Parliament remind that the new right is based on a 2014 ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which found that carry-on baggage is an "essential aspect" of passenger transport, provided it meets "reasonable requirements" in terms of weight and size.
In addition to the seven-kilogram limit, the new rule stipulates that the dimensions of carry-on baggage must not exceed a total sum of 100 centimeters (length + width + height).
It is expected to affect low-cost airlines the most, which currently charge for carrying larger bags while allowing smaller items for free.
Besides financial losses, airlines are concerned that allowing all passengers to carry hand luggage up to seven kilograms could lead to boarding issues and additional delays if the baggage doesn't fit in overhead compartments.
Stephen Berger, senior legal advisor at the European Consumer Organisation, welcomed the "clear stance on carry-on baggage", stating that it fulfills a "fundamental consumer demand" to bring a personal item and hand luggage for free.
