European airlines standardise cabin bag rules: A4E confirms commitment to EU-backed minimum size

Airlines for Europe (A4E) has confirmed that all its member airlines now uphold the EU transport ministers’ proposed minimum standard size of 40 × 30 × 15 cm for personal cabin bags included in basic fares.

According to A4E, most European carriers already exceeded this standard, and the move formalises a shared baseline for passengers across the continent.

“Baggage rules must be simple and transparent,” said Ourania Georgoutsakou, A4E’s Managing Director. “Passengers now have more clarity and can continue to choose between airlines offering this standard or a bigger size. This decision both listens to consumers’ needs and reflects how airlines operate in practice—the polar opposite of forcing a so-called ‘free’ second cabin bag.”

The association also cited data showing that travellers prefer lower base fares with optional add-ons over mandatory inclusion of a second carry-on, countering the European Parliament’s push to make a second cabin bag part of the basic ticket price.

A4E said the harmonised standard improves transparency and consistency without triggering higher fares, longer boarding times, or increased emissions from heavier aircraft loads.