The European Parliament has initiated the process of eliminating carry-on bag fees, potentially aiming to end airline fees associated with carry-on bags.
Free Cabin Baggage Is Consumers’ Right
After numerous meetings and, more significantly, following multiple customer complaints about low-cost airlines imposing fees for hand luggage, which raised concerns about potential violations of consumer rights, the European Parliament’s Committee on Petitions felt the need to address the issue at the beginning of the process of eliminating carry-on bag fees.
The committee found it necessary to categorise hand luggage as essential for all travellers. We all know that each airline has independently determined the dimensions and regulations for carry-on bags, causing confusion and inconvenience for passengers who must constantly adapt to varying airline policies. In a significant change, airlines will be required to abdicate from their autonomy in setting measurements and rules for hand luggage. Eliminating carry-on bag fees can make travellers’ lives much easier and more comfortable.
During this important meeting, Spanish Renew MEP, Jordi Cañas, declared that it is unacceptable to turn a fundamental right into a “product” or unacceptable to create a way of doing business that focuses on making more money by violating consumer rights.
It is certain that when the airline is selling the plane ticket, the carry-on bag is an essential item for every traveller, and it is a human right.
How Would Eliminating Carry-On Bag Fees Affect Low-Cost Companies?
Low-cost companies, with their low-priced tickets, often rely on optional or additional services to increase in some ways their profitability. Eliminating carry-on bag fees might reduce revenue and impact airline profitability unless other revenue methods are expanded. Another point is when the low-cost airlines adjust their pricing strategy, they might attract more passengers, but this can also make other airlines in the low-cost market change their prices, which could start a big competition between the airlines.
The impact of eliminating carry-on bag fees on low-cost airlines can be determined by the airline’s specific business model, pricing strategies, and how those airlines adapt to possible changes. While it could make them grow in a competitive position and overall better customer satisfaction, it may also be challenging regarding revenue and operations that must be well managed to maintain profitability.
What are your thoughts about this exciting news? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
