What the New EU Deal Means for Flyers in Germany
If you fly often from Frankfurt, Munich or Berlin, this one is for you. On June 15, 2026, the European Parliament and European Council reached a deal that will stop airlines from charging extra for hand luggage on flights inside the EU. It is the biggest update to air passenger rights in more than a decade and it comes after years of back-and-forth between EU lawmakers and airlines that had been pushing to charge separately for cabin bags.
What You Get to Carry for Free
Here is what you will be allowed to carry for free under the new rules: one personal item, handbag, small rucksack or laptop bag measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm and one small cabin bag weighing up to 7 kg. This applies to every airline operating in Germany including Lufthansa, Eurowings, Condor, Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air. Airlines can still offer cheaper tickets to people who choose to travel without a cabin bag but they can no longer add a fee on top of a normal ticket simply because you want to bring one onboard.
More Protection If Your Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled
The deal also keeps the existing compensation rules in place. If your flight is delayed by more than three hours or cancelled, you can still claim between 250 and 600 euros, depending on the distance you were flying. Airlines must seat children under 14 next to the adult travelling with them at no extra cost and the same right applies to passengers with disabilities, people with reduced mobility, and pregnant women. Annoying extras like fees for correcting a small spelling mistake in your name, or for getting a printed boarding pass at the gate will also be scrapped.
When Will the New Rules Apply?
One thing to keep in mind: the rules are not in force yet. The European Parliament is expected to vote on the agreement in its July 2026 session and the European Council still has to confirm it formally. If everything goes to plan, the new rules should take effect in 2027. Until then, your airline’s current baggage policy still applies so check the rules carefully before you book and again before you pack, especially if you fly with low-cost carriers.
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