We will tell you about two new statutes that have been approved concerning hand lugggage that will be of interest to you!
When we are preparing for a trip, the first thing we think about is what we are going to pack in our suitcase. A significant percentage of passengers in fact prefer to travel with hand luggage only. And thus save themselves the considerable waiting time at the baggage belts at the airport of destination, in this case Malaga airport.
New rules for hand luggage
From 1 September, new rules for flying with hand luggage will apply in the EU. These include not only the regulations on carrying liquids. The size and number of items of baggage will also be standardised.
We have summarised the most important changes.
Permitted amount of liquid
At some airports, the issue of liquids in hand luggage has long been treated much more loosely. For some time now, the liquids rule introduced in 2006 has been relaxed thanks to new scanners at airport security checkpoints.
But now comes the turnaround and from 1 September all passengers at all European and British airports will once again only be allowed to carry liquids in small containers of up to 100 millilitres.
As before, these must also be packed in a sealable, transparent 1-litre plastic bag measuring a maximum of 20 x 20 centimetres. One bag is allowed per traveller. At many airports, the bags must be removed from the carry-on suitcase and x-rayed, just like electronic devices such as laptops.
At airports with modern CT scanners, however, liquids may remain in the suitcase, they just have to follow the 100 millilitre rule. Laptops do not have to be unpacked either.
The reason for the change in regulations is that there are doubts about the reliability of the new scanners. Until these are resolved, all passengers must use small containers again.
Medication that must be taken during the flight is not covered by this regulation. This also applies to baby food.
Quantity and size of hand baggage
From 1 September, the rules regarding the quantity and size of hand baggage will also change.
This was previously a matter for the respective airlines. However, they now have to implement standardisation.
Suitcases may then be a maximum of 55 x 40 x 20 centimetres in size and weigh a maximum of ten kilograms.
However, passengers are now also allowed to take an additional item of hand luggage on board, such as a small handbag, laptop bag or small rucksack.
This was previously not possible, especially with many low-cost airlines, and passengers either had to do without their handbag or check in their suitcase for a fee.
The small item of hand luggage must fit under the seat in front and may not exceed 40 x 30 x 15 centimetres.
According to the IATA (International Air Transport Association), the dimensions of the most common airline hand luggage:
- Should not exceed 55 x 35 x 20 cm, including wheels, handles and pockets.
Weight of hand luggage
On the other hand, it is not only the size of cabin luggage that matters, but also the weight.
The total weight of the suitcase can not exceed 10 kilogramms.
Carry-on baggage allowance on Ryanair, Vueling and EasyJet
Note: At the date of publication of this article (end of August 2024), the airlines mentioned have not yet published the new regulations on their websites.
Here is a breakdown of the dimensions of the main low cost airlines.
Ryanair
Ryanair allows one small personal bag. Such as a handbag or laptop sleeve (40 x 20 x 25 cm), which can be carried on board. It must fit under the seat in front of you.
You want to check an additional bag weighing up to 10 kg as hand luggage? You will have to pay around €32 per flight.
Vueling
Vueling allows you to carry a single piece of luggage measuring 40 x 20 x 30 cm free of charge. There is no weight limit. But it must be placed under the seat in front of you without protruding or obstructing the passageway.
You also have the option of checking your 10 kg suitcase in the hold free of charge at the airport counter. (As long as it does not exceed the permitted dimensions).
With Vueling it is also much more expensive to check a piece of luggage (max. 10 kg and 55 x 40 x 20 cm) in the overhead compartment than to check a suitcase of up to normal size in the hold of the plane. 70 € to be exact on a return flight Barcelona-Malaga.
EasyJet
EasyJet allows hand luggage up to a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including handles and wheels) and up to 15 kg. It must be carried under the seat in front of you.
You also want to take a large piece of hand luggage on board (max. 56 x 45 x 25 cm, including handles and wheels)? You can book a large piece of hand luggage for your flight. This option currently costs you around €130. This depends on the distance you are travelling (we searched for Edinburgh-Malaga return flight).
As you can see, these measurements are well below a standard carry-on suitcase. Any luggage that exceeds these measurements will incur a considerable additional cost.
How to complain about hand luggage charges
- By e-mail or via the airline’s website: Attaching all relevant documentation, such as the boarding pass, tickets and reservation.
- Complain to the Directorate-General for Consumer Affairs. Of your Autonomous Community or the European Consumer Centre in Spain.
- File a claim in court: For claims of less than 2,000 euros, it is not necessary to hire a lawyer or solicitor. Thus, the legal action would be free of charge.
