Travelers in Portugal seek uniform luggage dimensions
EU Proposes Changes to Improve Carry-on Baggage Policies for Passengers
A recent survey has revealed that a majority of Portuguese consumers are dissatisfied with the current carry-on baggage fees charged by airlines. The survey, conducted among Portuguese travellers, found that 77% believe consumer organizations should take action against airlines that impose such fees, and 95% call on European Union authorities to clarify and standardize the rules.
The concerns expressed by Portuguese consumers echo those of travellers across Europe. 70% of respondents perceive that airlines use baggage fees to deceive consumers and increase profits. This perception, shared by many, highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and regulation in carry-on baggage policies.
In response to these concerns, the European Union is proposing amendments to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EU261). These changes aim to strengthen air passenger rights and increase transparency in the sector.
Under the proposed amendments, passengers would be allowed to bring two carry-on items without extra charge. The first item, to fit in the overhead bin, would weigh up to 7kg and measure no more than 100cm in total dimensions. The second item, a smaller personal item such as a laptop bag or purse, would have maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15 cm, to fit under the seat. These rules would apply to all flights departing from EU airports and those arriving in the EU, operated by EU airlines.
The European Parliament’s Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) has voted in favour of this amendment, with a focus on eliminating unexpected carry-on baggage fees, improving transparency, and harmonizing carry-on allowances across airlines to reduce confusion and passenger stress. The smaller personal item size (40 x 30 x 15 cm) is being formalized as a standard, ending the practice of some airlines enforcing smaller limits.
However, these policies remain under consideration and negotiation. Travelers are advised to check specific airline policies during the transition. The legislation is at the proposal stage and must still pass through the European Parliament's full vote and negotiations with the European Commission and the Council of the EU before becoming law. The earliest implementation could be as soon as July 2025, depending on member state approvals.
The demands of Portuguese consumers reinforce the importance of active intervention by consumer organizations such as DECO PROteste. A fairer and more predictable travel experience is desired by consumers due to the need for greater transparency and regulation in carry-on baggage policies. One in three Portuguese passengers believe that rules regarding carry-on luggage are not communicated in a transparent way.
The survey results in other European countries are similar to those in Portugal, indicating a widespread problem. 42% of Portuguese passengers feel that airlines do not clearly disclose carry-on baggage fees during the booking process. The survey results highlight the need for uniform rules for all airlines regarding carry-on baggage fees, with 94% of Portuguese respondents calling for such uniformity.
European Union authorities are called upon to ensure that carry-on baggage rules are clear, standardized, and fair for all passengers. An overwhelming majority (85%) of Portuguese consumers believe that carry-on baggage should be included in the ticket price, a sentiment that may be echoed in other European countries.
The revision of the Regulation on common rules for air passenger care, which includes rules on carry-on baggage, is still under debate. As the EU moves towards ensuring passengers have the right to bring one overhead carry-on bag up to 7 kg plus a standardized personal item for free on flights involving EU airports and carriers, travellers can look forward to a more transparent and fair travel experience.
[1] European Parliament (2025). Amendments to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 (EU261) on air passenger rights. Retrieved from https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2025-0026_EN.html
[2] European Commission (2025). Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on common rules for the application of air passenger rights. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/passengers/rights/index_en.htm
[3] DECO PROteste (2025). Survey on carry-on baggage fees and passenger rights. Retrieved from https://www.deco.pt/noticias/proteste/2025/06/10/pesquisa-deco-proteste-sobre-tarifas-de-malas-de-carro-de-mao-e-direitos-de-passageiros
[4] Ryanair (2025). Carry-on baggage policy. Retrieved from https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/useful-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage
- Portuguese consumers, along with travelers across Europe, are advocating for carry-on baggage to be included in the ticket price, as a majority (85%) believe it should be standardized and clear for all passengers, echoing the demands of consumer organizations such as DECO PROteste.
- Under the proposed changes to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, passengers departing from EU airports or arriving on EU flights, operated by EU airlines, would be allowed to bring two carry-on items without extra charge, exemplifying the EU's efforts to improve transparency and harmonize carry-on allowances across airlines, in response to widespread consumer concerns.
