Travelers are happy with the ban on flight fees -but Americans are left

The air trip in the EU is all easier and slightly cheaper. Legalmakers have just voted to cancel hand luggage fees On airlines throughout the European Union, when passengers are happy to be able to take hand luggage on board for free. The vote gives the air passenger the right to travel with hand luggage brought up to 7 kilograms (15.4 pounds) without incurring additional charges.

Once the rules are confirmed after negotiations with the EU government, the bag will be allowed for free in addition to a smaller personal item that can be loaded under the seat. Unfortunately, while major US carriers generally allowed bags to carry free and personal items, some charges for the bags were carried, especially on the basic economic fare, leaving Americans with mercy on the airline’s policies.

EU bans airlines from charging handbags

In addition to the broader reforms proposed by the European Commission on passenger rights, EU lawmakers have voted to adopt proposals that will allow air passengers to carry personal items to the cabin and a piece of hand luggage for up to seven pounds for free. Matteo Ricci is the Vice President of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism and the main sponsor of the bill. The Commission has also suggested that airlines are required to disclose the amount of flight costs in advance in the booking process, which will also affect the rights of compensation.

“Today’s vote marks an important step towards a more fair and more transparent journey,” said Matteo Ricci, EU Vice President of the EU Transport and Tourism Committee and the main sponsor of the Bill-Bill, adding that clear rules for free hand luggage are “the basic right to avoid unnatural costs”, ensuring “fair and more efficient systems”.

Not surprisingly, the move was strongly opposed by flight lobbies, warning that the rule would force carriers to increase ticket costs, even for people flying with minimal luggage.

“What’s up? Popcorn is compulsory and drinks as part of your cinema ticket?” According to Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Lobby Airlines for Europe (A4E). He added, “” The European Parliament should allow tourists to decide what services they want, what services they pay and, importantly, what services they don’t. “

According to lawmakers, new rights are based on the Court of Justice 2014 rule proving that hand luggage is a “required aspect” of passenger transport, as long as the bag meets the “reasonable need” in terms of heavy and dimensions. Undeniably, this is a huge victory for tourists, or at least it seems at this point. The commission also proposes additional measures, including allowing children under 12 to sit with free passengers and provide free seats to individual guardians with reduced mobility.

Online, general user reactions are mixed. On RedditA user, between many, commented:

“Yes, if they raise prices, it’s actually better, then the train will be a better opportunity for them and the playground will equate a little more.”

The move is expected to hit low -cost carriers like Ryanair very hard. The airline generated € 4.7 billion ($ 5.5 billion) last year from charging additional fee, including seat selection and luggage costs. Although the news is positive, it remains tentative in theory as it is unclear when the decision will take effect, as the proposal still needs to receive final approval in the parliamentary vote.

American passengers feel abandoned

The number of carriers charged for luggage has angered politicians and consumers. Although it is not a universal policy, some US airlines charge for carrying bags, especially on basic economic fares or with certain airlines. In the current challenging economy, saving the final dollar can be the difference between a living business and going down. New Southwest Airlines -This recently exchanged free -inspected goodscausing anxiety among his customers.

Although many airlines charge for inspected bags, budget airlines, such as spirit and boundaries, can also charge for carrying bags, especially if they are not checked at the time of reservation. Both airlines allow a personal item to be brought to the board for free, but with size and dimensional restrictions. Outside of that dimension, additional charges will be charged. Bags can also be charged, even with dimensional limitations as well. United Airlines is another exception to the general rule; The basic economic fare does not include free carry bags.

While in Europe, new rules are likely to not allow airlines to impose passengers for their bags, in the United States, it is still a capitalist market team that determines this equation. Airlines charge what they feel competitive ecosystem enables. The airline imposes bags to carry bags especially to increase revenue, but also to manage costs related to heavy and space on aircraft.