Brussels, 21 May 2025 – All airlines let travellers bring one bag/personal item as part of their fare, in line with the Vueling Ruling of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU). A 2024 Eurobarometer survey shows that 90% of passengers are well informed of the size and weight limits of the luggage included in their ticket.

The action taken today by consumer organisations would decrease consumer choice and oblige all passengers to pay for additional services that they may not all need. The CJEU expressly acknowledges the value of unbundling services and how this allows passengers to choose the exact services that best suits their needs.

The decision of the Spanish Consumer Protection Agency on cabin bags is currently under appeal and the European Commission is looking into whether it complies with EU law. Making cabin bags mandatory would force up to 50 million passengers in Spain alone to pay for something they do not want.

ENDS

About A4E

Airlines for Europe (A4E) is Europe’s largest airline association. Based in Brussels, A4E works with policymakers to ensure aviation policy continues to connect Europeans with the world in a safe, competitive and sustainable manner. With a modern fleet of over 3,700 aircraft, A4E airlines carried over 771 million passengers in 2024 and served nearly 2,800 destinations across Europe and the wider world. Each year, A4E members transport more than 54 million tonnes of vital goods and equipment either by freighters or passenger aircraft.

Media Contact

Kevin Hiney, Communications Director

Kevin.hiney@a4e.eu