Dispatch


TRAVELLERS FLYING INTO, out of or within


Europe could soon enjoy ubiquitous free hand luggage after the European Union voted to ban airlines from charging passengers for their carry-on luggage. This year, EU lawmakers


voted in favour of a proposal that would allow air passengers to bring both a personal item and one piece of hand luggage into the cabin free of charge. The proposal would permit items such as handbags, backpacks or laptop bags, with maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15cm, along with one item of hand luggage weighing up to 7kg and measuring up to 100cm. While most of Europe’s major airlines typically allow passengers to bring a personal item and hand luggage on board free of charge on most flights, that’s not the case for many of the region’s low-cost carriers. Ryanair, Europe’s


largest airline, along with rivals Easyjet and Wizz Air, are notorious for charging passengers extra for carry-on bags. In some cases, adding


Korean Air bets big with new Boeing order


NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025


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FERGUS COLE AND DOMINIC KEITH


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The European Union proposes legislation for complimentary carry-on bags


carry-on luggage to a low-cost flight in Europe can double the cost of the entire fare, if not more. For example, Ryanair passengers are currently charged up to £36 (US$48) for two cabin bags, a cost similar to many of its basic one-way fares. According to the EU, the proposed legislation would improve the rights


of air passengers and ensure the system is fairer and more efficient for all. It is part of a wider set of reforms outlined by the European Commission in 2023, which also requires airlines to be more transparent about total flight costs, provides passengers with more compensation rights, and ensures that families


‘In some cases, adding carry-on luggage to a low-cost fight in Europe can double the cost of the entire fare’


can sit together at no additional cost. “Today’s vote marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel,” said Matteo Ricci, vice-chair of the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism. “The agreed compromises introduce concrete measures such as the clear definition of free hand luggage up to a maximum size of 100cm, a fundamental right to avoid unjustified costs.” Ricci added that


“increased transparency for intermediaries and strengthened enforcement bodies will ensure a fairer and more efficient system. Parliament is taking a strong position that defends citizens’ rights.” However, several


airlines have voiced their opposition to the proposed ruling, which still needs to be approved by


at least 55 per cent of EU member states. The Airlines for Europe


(A4E) association warned that it would result in increased costs for carriers, which would then be passed on to every passenger in the form of higher fares. “Europe’s airline market


is built on choice,” said Ourania Georgoutsakou, managing director at A4E. “Forcing a mandatory trolley bag strips passengers of that choice and obliges passengers to pay for services they may not want or need.” A spokesperson for the


airline association added: “There is a cost to carrying bags for airlines and the approach proposed by Parliament means airlines will have to pass this increased cost onto all passengers, not just those who feel a trolley bag is a choice that they wish to pay for.”


KOREAN AIR HAS secured its future aircraft requirements with a new order for 103 next- generation aircraft from United States-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing. The deal includes 20 additional Boeing 777-9 long-haul aircraft, 25 additional 787-10 Dreamliners, and 50 737 Max 10 aircraft, all scheduled for phased delivery by the end of 2030. Separately, the airline is also adding a large number of new planes from European aircraft maker Airbus, including long-haul A350-900 and A350-1000 types, as well as regional A321neos. In the long run, the Korean flag carrier says it will streamline its fleet and operations around five aircraft families:


the 777, 787 and 737 Max jets from Boeing, and the A350 and A321neo jets from Airbus. The new aircraft orders are part of Korean Air’s commitment to a broader passenger experience and network upgrade programme, which includes the recent launch of premium economy class for the very first time, as well as completely revamped and expanded lounge offerings at its Seoul Incheon hub. Over the summer, Korean Air opened two new Prestige


Garden Lounges for business class passengers at Incheon, alongside a redesigned Miler Club, which is currently open to first class passengers while the first lounge is undergoing a refresh.


BUSINESS TRAVELLER ASIA-PACIFIC 15


IMAGES ADOBE STOCK; COURTESY OF KOREAN AIR


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