Traveling by plane inside the European Union (EU) will become simpler for passengers who like to take with them not one but two pieces of luggage. The information was confirmed this week by the Airlines for Europe (A4E) Association, which represents some of the main airlines operating in the European space, including TAP, Ryanair and Easyjet.
The change follows a decision made by EU transport ministers in early June, which determined that all airlines should allow, at no additional costs, the transport of a handbag and personal bag on board.
Magazine rules after 11 years without changes
According to the Judgment of the EU Court of Justice, which motivated the political decision, the transportation of hand luggage cannot be subject to an extra tariff, provided it respects reasonable criteria of safety, weight and dimensions. The now consolidated jurisprudence had been contested by consumer associations for several years.
The A4E explains that policy is applied by all the association’s member companies, which includes flag carriers and several low cost with a large presence in Portugal.
What is allowed to be allowed without paying more
According to the decision approved by the European ministers, passengers are entitled to transport two pieces free of charge: a small handbag, with a maximum of 100 centimeters linear (for example, 55x40x20 cm) and up to seven pounds; and a personal bag with a maximum size of 40x30x15 cm, which should be placed under the front seat.
According to the A4E statement, this practice is aligned with the new community standards and aims to “harmonize the experience of passengers and reinforce confidence in air transport services in Europe”.
TAP, Ryanair and Easyjet among those who already apply the rule
Tap Air Portugal, Ryanair and EasyJet, all associated with A4E, are examples of companies that already publicly recognize this update. According to News to Minuto, these carriers confirmed the application of the new rules from July, in alignment with the European deliberation.
The decision was received with consumer protection associations and may represent a relief in travel costs for thousands of passengers, especially those who choose the most economical tariffs.
End of hidden overcrowders?
For years, hand luggage transport was used as a way to segment passengers at different tariffs, even on short flights. According to the EU Court of Justice, this practice is not compatible with consumer rights as it creates obstacles to tariff transparency.
The new orientation aims to lock these strategies and oblige companies to clearly include what is or not included in the base fare. According to the same judgment, it can only be charged parts of higher volume or weight outside the boundaries now defined.
Mandatory application on all EU flights
The measure applies to all flights with origin or destination at EU airports, regardless of the airline. This means that even carriers who operate from outside the community space, such as transatlantic flights, will have to respect the rules if they operate on European routes.
The Euractiv portal explains that this harmonization of the rules was an old requirement from several countries, which criticized the disparity of criteria between companies, a constant source of complaints.
A small relief for those traveling frequently
For usual passengers, this change represents more than a convenience. By allowing you to carry two pieces without cost, the measure can translate into real savings, especially in short trips or escapelas where the baggage payment was often inevitable.
Experts in the sector stress that the decision may lead to a slight reorganization of boarding flows, as more passengers will carry volumes with it, requiring extra attention to tidying on board.
Track the changes: Not all apply
Despite the European decision and confirmation by A4E -associated companies, passengers are advised to verify case by case the airline’s luggage policy with which they will travel. The transition is underway and may take a few days to reflect on all online reserve and documentation systems.
Still, the trend is released: bringing two pieces of luggage on board, without paying more for it, becomes the new standard on air travel within.
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