The days of paying extra just to bring a carry-on bag might finally be numbered. The European Union is close to banning airlines from charging hand luggage fees on all flights within, to, and from EU countries. If you’re planning a trip to Crete, this could save you money and headaches.
What’s Actually Changing?
On June 24, 2025, EU lawmakers voted to guarantee every passenger the right to bring a cabin bag (up to 7 kg and 100 cm in total dimensions) and a personal item (like a handbag or laptop bag, up to 40x30x15 cm) onboard at no extra cost. This applies even to budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet, that have made careers out of nickle-and-diming passengers.
The goal is simple: end the surprise fees that have frustrated millions of travelers and make flight pricing more transparent. No more discovering at check-in that your “cheap” flight just got expensive.
When Will This Happen?
The new rules are not law yet. The proposal passed the European Parliament’s Transport Committee, but it still needs approval from the full Parliament and a majority of EU member states (the Council of the EU). If all goes smoothly, the law could take effect as early as July 2025, but the timeline depends on ongoing negotiations and final approvals.
Until then, airlines can still charge for hand luggage unless national laws already ban it. For example, Spain has already prohibited these fees, so Spanish carriers are less aggressive with baggage charges.
How Will This Affect Your Crete Trip?
- This summer (before July 2025): Current baggage rules still apply. Depending on your airline and ticket type, you might pay extra for hand luggage.
- After the law is in force: All passengers on flights within, to, or from the EU will be entitled to bring one cabin bag (up to 7 kg, 100 cm) and one personal item (up to 40x30x15 cm) for free. This will make comparing flight prices much easier and remove hidden costs.
What About Non-EU Travelers?
The rules are a bit more complex for those flying from outside Europe:
- Flying with EU airlines: If you book a ticket with an EU-based airline (such as Air France, Lufthansa, or Aegean Airlines) from New York to Crete, the new EU hand luggage rules will apply to the entire journey, including the transatlantic segment, because the operating airline is subject to EU regulations even when departing from outside the EU. This means you should not be charged for hand luggage on any leg of your trip operated by that EU airline, regardless of where the flight starts.
- Flying with non-EU airlines: If you fly with a non-EU airline (like Delta or Air Canada) from New York to Europe, those carriers are not required to follow the EU hand luggage rules for the transatlantic segment. However, if you then connect to a flight operated by an EU airline within Europe (for example, Delta from New York to Paris, then Aegean from Paris to Crete), the free hand luggage policy will apply only to the EU-operated segment (Paris to Crete), not the initial non-EU airline segment.
- UK travelers: Since Brexit, UK airlines aren’t automatically covered. But if you fly British Airways to Athens and then connect to an EU carrier for your flight to Crete, you’ll get free hand luggage for that second flight.
The Catch: Will Ticket Prices Go Up?
Airlines have warned that base ticket prices might rise to compensate for the lost baggage fees. The money has to come from somewhere. While you may not always save money overall, at least the pricing will be transparent and upfront. No more surprise charges at the airport.
Other Changes Coming
The hand luggage ban is part of a broader package of EU airline reforms, including:
- No more seat selection fees for children under 12 traveling with parents
- Airlines must show the full ticket price upfront, including all mandatory fees
- Stronger compensation rights for flight delays and cancellations
What Travelers Should Do Now
- Stay informed: The law still needs final parliamentary approval, and details may change. Watch for updates if you’re booking flights for late summer or fall 2025.
- Check current policies: For flights before the law takes effect, check your airline’s baggage rules at booking, especially with budget carriers.
- Be aware: Airlines may adjust base fares, but you’ll soon have a clearer idea of what you’re actually paying for.
The EU has been cracking down on airline practices that frustrate passengers. This hand luggage reform could be the biggest win yet for travelers who just want to know what they’re actually paying for when they book a flight to Crete.
Published on: July 1st, 2025
Further reading:
Changes Coming to Kourtaliotiko Gorge in 2025: Limited Access, New Fees, and Swimming Ban
New ETIAS Requirement for Greece: What Travelers from 60 Countries Need to Know for 2025-2026
