A Split System Takes Shape
Passengers departing UK airports will not benefit from expanded hand luggage allowances set to take effect across the European Union in late 2027, EasyJet has confirmed. The airline clarified that the new entitlements will apply only on return flights from EU countries, not on outbound journeys from Britain.
The distinction stems from the fact that UK carriers, including EasyJet UK, British Airways, and Jet2, are no longer EU airlines following Brexit. As a result, they fall outside the scope of the upcoming regulation when operating flights departing from British airports.
Under the new rules, all EU air passengers will be entitled to both an under-seat personal item and a cabin bag when purchasing a standard ticket, without paying extra fees. The entitlement covers one small personal item that fits beneath the seat, plus one cabin bag weighing up to seven kilograms with combined dimensions of 100 centimetres.
The Regulatory Background
The changes follow a provisional agreement reached by European Parliament and Council negotiators in June, marking the first overhaul of EU air passenger rights since 2004. According to the European Parliament, the updated rules explicitly include "the right to carry on board, without additional fee, one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack," in addition to the under-seat bag already permitted.
The regulation is expected to come into force in October 2027 at the earliest. EasyJet has stated it is reviewing its policies in preparation for implementation, alongside other UK airlines.
Pricing Flexibility and Uncertainty
Members of the European Parliament also agreed to permit airlines to offer discounted tickets for passengers who opt to travel without hand luggage. How this pricing structure will work in practice remains unclear, and carriers have not yet detailed how they will balance the new mandatory allowances with optional reductions.
The development adds a layer of complexity for travellers moving between the UK and EU, who will navigate different baggage entitlements depending on the direction of their journey. On flights leaving London, Manchester, or Edinburgh, passengers will continue to face the baggage policies currently in place. On the return leg from Paris, Amsterdam, or Rome, they will gain access to the expanded allowance.
What It Means for Travellers
The asymmetry is likely to cause confusion, particularly for those unfamiliar with the regulatory divide. British passengers accustomed to paying for cabin bags on low-cost carriers may find the inbound portion of their trip more generous than the outbound segment, even when flying with the same airline.
For UK carriers, the situation presents both operational and competitive challenges. Airlines will need to manage differing baggage policies on the same aircraft, depending on the departure point. They will also need to communicate the distinction clearly to avoid frustration at check-in desks and boarding gates.
Whether UK regulators will consider mirroring the EU rules domestically remains to be seen. For now, the split reflects the broader divergence in travel regulations that has emerged since Brexit, with passengers caught between two systems that no longer align.
