EU bans airline fees for carry-on bags and family seating

EU negotiators reached a landmark deal on Monday to overhaul air passenger rights after more than a decade of political gridlock.

Starting in late 2027, airlines operating in the bloc will be legally required to include a standard carry-on bag in their base ticket price. The new rules also ban airlines from charging parents extra fees to sit next to their children and allow passengers to correct minor ticket typos for free. While consumer advocacy groups celebrate the end of predatory junk fees, industry giants like Ryanair warn the mandate will inevitably force overall ticket prices higher for everyone.

The European Parliament is expected to formally codify the agreement next month, marking a major shift away from the low-cost carrier business model.