Hand luggage on flights to Tenerife may now only be taken for free if it fits under the seat; otherwise, extra charges apply at the gate.
The European Union is proposing a striking reform in the aviation sector: free hand luggage will henceforth be limited to personal items that fit under the seat, and compensation rights for delays will be curtailed.
Definition of hand luggage
According to the political agreement reached, airlines may now only allow one free ‘personal item’ of hand luggage, which must fit entirely under the seat. Think small backpacks (max. 40 × 30 × 15 cm), handbags or laptop bags. Anything placed in the overhead bins (such as trolleys or large handbags) gets an extra label—and thus an extra charge. The member states Spain, Germany, Slovenia, and Portugal voted against, concerned that competition and consumer rights are being undermined.
This new regulation seems to respond to long-standing confusion about what is included for free. Until now, European airlines applied varying interpretations of “reasonable size”, often to the detriment of the passenger. Think of unexpected charges at the gate or after boarding if the hand luggage exceeds the stated dimensions. The rule also applies to hand luggage on flights to Tenerife.
Increased thresholds for delays
Airlines such as Ryanair and Vueling have applauded the systematic freedom of choice for passengers: those who want to bring a larger piece simply pay for it. Critics—such as the consumer organisation BEUC—call this a setback: “Hand luggage is an integral part of the base fare” and should not once again become a commodity.
In addition to the hand luggage regulations, the EU has also changed the conditions for compensation rights in the event of delays. The current threshold of a 3-hour delay, which entitled passengers to up to €600, will be increased: short flights (< 3,500 km) will qualify for compensation (€300) from a 4-hour delay. Long-haul flights (> 3,500 km) will only receive compensation (€500) after a 6-hour delay.
New additional passenger rights
The agreement does include some improved safeguards:
Automatic compensation: airlines must offer a digital claim form à la ‘one-click compensation’ in the event of cancellation.
Rebooking guarantee: in case of long delays, passengers must be rebooked, if necessary via other carriers, or they may book for themselves and reclaim up to 400% of the original ticket price.
Support during delays: airlines must provide food, drink, and accommodation during delays—or passengers may arrange this themselves and later request reimbursement.
Compensation for late cancellation: passengers are entitled to compensation if a flight is cancelled within 14 days or if the return flight is cancelled due to not having taken the outbound leg.
Mandatory regrouping: airlines must more explicitly define their duty to provide information, both during booking and in the event of complaints.
Extraordinary circumstances: to justify exceptions to compensation, airlines must demonstrate that all reasonable measures have been taken.
Why these reforms?
Aviation industry in crisis: having just recovered from COVID, delays and cancellations became frequent. Airlines demanded higher thresholds to reduce financial pressure.
Lack of consumer clarity: inconsistencies in baggage policies and unclear rules frustrated passengers—the EU sought to bring greater uniformity.
Political stalemate: 12 years of deadlocked negotiations since the original EC proposals in 2013. Under Poland’s leadership, consensus has finally been reached—in the Council, not yet definitively.
Additional information and perspective
Impact on passengers: most short delays of 2–3 hours (nearly the majority) will no longer entitle passengers to compensation; any bag larger than the ‘under-seat limit’ must be paid for separately. Holidaymakers and business travellers alike have reason to optimise their luggage—but also to expect more administrative burdens during flights.
Trends among budget airlines: low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Vueling, and EasyJet offered little resistance. For them, large hand luggage becomes a separate business model—enabling low ticket prices to continue. A competitive advantage, but one that comes with added local frustrations.
Increased compliance checks: The requirement for clear communication and automatic forms comes precisely at a time when studies show that detailed information and quick claims significantly enhance user-friendliness for passengers. This fits within the broader EU trend (recent Passenger Mobility Package).
Future challenges: the agreement must still pass through the European Parliament and may be amended. BEUC is urging MEPs to restore passenger rights before final approval.
Even Brexit flights (EU carriers to the UK) fall under these rules.
Conclusion
The EU is presenting a package intended to give airlines breathing room while also introducing some standardised passenger rights. But while the industry cheers for efficiency gains, consumer organisations warn of a setback in concrete rights. In the coming months, it will become clear whether the European Parliament will act as a consumer advocate—or whether the airline lobby will retain its influence.
Air travellers would do well to adjust their baggage and delay expectations:
Bring only small and light hand luggage, and keep close track of delays, as compensations will become more selective.
The era of sneaking large hand luggage into the cabin for free is ending—unless you travel with a compact bag.
Before booking a flight ticket, it is best to carefully read the terms and specifications of the airline’s baggage policy.
Pinterest © Photography
Hand luggage on flights to Tenerife ©
More NEWS can be read [HERE].
Interested in Tenerife?
Subscribe to our newsletter and always stay informed about the news on Tenerife.
Enter your first name and a valid email address below. Then click on Subscribe.
