Airlines oppose EU plan to make trolley bags mandatory for all passengers

Airlines for Europe (A4E) has strongly criticised a proposed amendment by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) that would require airlines to include a trolley-sized cabin bag as standard for all passengers — a move the industry group says undermines consumer choice and raises costs unnecessarily.

The proposal, which will be voted on by the European Parliament’s Transport Committee on June 24, would override current EU rules that allow airlines to determine their own fare structures, including whether or not to include large cabin bags.

A4E argues that:

• Millions of travellers prefer to fly light and benefit from cheaper fares by not carrying a trolley bag.
• In Spain alone, over 50 million passengers in 2023 chose not to add an extra cabin bag.
• The rule would force passengers to pay for a service they may not want or use, inflating ticket prices and removing flexibility.

“Europe’s airline market is built on choice,” said A4E Managing Director Ourania Georgoutsakou. “Forcing a mandatory trolley bag strips passengers of that choice… What’s next? Mandatory popcorn and drinks as part of your cinema ticket?”

A4E urges MEPs to reject the amendment and protect the consumer-driven, competitive model that has shaped Europe’s aviation sector.