Low-cost-carrier Ryanair has slammed new hand luggage rules from the European Union (EU) as the “latest gobbledygook regulation” in a strongly worded press release.
On June 15, 2026, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) secured improved traveler protection rights including directives on hand luggage.
Under the provisional agreement rules, passengers will have the right to carry on board, without additional fee, one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack.
On the insistence of MEPs price transparency and the comparability of air tickets was increased by obliging airlines, intermediaries and search portals to always display the air fare inclusive of carry-on luggage at the outset of the book process.
Negotiators agreed that airlines may offer cheaper tickets for passengers who choose to travel without hand luggage.
On June 16, 2026, Ryanair said this will force the company to “publish misleading price advertising” and advertise higher fares which will include a second cabin bag.
The Irish carrier said over 50% of its passengers already opt for a lower fare and choose not to travel with a second cabin bag.
“At this time of international crisis, all the EU Parliament and Council can do is invent new regulations, which will now force airlines to advertise higher air fares (which include 2nd cabin bag fees) instead of advertising our lowest air fares (which exclude 2nd cabin bag fees) which is what more than 50% of Ryanair passengers choose on a daily basis,” said Ryanair CEO, Michael O’Leary.
He urged the EU to stop “making rubbish regulations” and instead act to “improve the competitiveness of EU airlines”.
MEPs secure improved traveler protection
Also included in the provisional agreement travelers maintain the right to be reimbursed or re-routed in case of cancellation, and to claim compensation if a flight is delayed by more than three hours, if it is cancelled less than 14 days before a flight, or if they are denied boarding.
However, airlines will be able to avoid paying compensation if the delay or cancellation was caused by events beyond their control.
MEPs also made sure that families with kids are not separated during seating, by obliging air carriers to ensure that any person accompanying a child below the age of 14 should be seated on an adjacent seat without paying extra.
The same right will apply to passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility, and to pregnant women.
Air passengers will no longer be charged additional fees for correcting name spelling errors or for getting a printed version of a boarding pass if they have already checked in.
Under the third reading procedure, the provisional agreement reached in the Conciliation Committee has to be confirmed by both Parliament and the Council within the next six weeks, with the possibility to extend this deadline by a further two weeks.