Kristina Roberts
Benjamin Till just wanted a simple, stress-free holiday to Pisa without worrying about extra baggage fees. To make sure he followed the rules, he carefully measured his suitcase before buying it, ensuring it fit the size limits for a free underseat bag. But when he arrived at London Gatwick Airport in December 2023, he was shocked to find out that the airline included wheels in their measurements—something he hadn’t considered. His bag was now slightly too big, and despite his protests, he had to pay £48 to bring it on board.
The frustration didn’t end there. On his way back home, he was told that even after removing the wheels, his suitcase was still too large. Humiliated and upset, he sat on the airport floor, unpacking his clothes and souvenirs into a bin bag just to avoid another fee. “I don’t mind admitting that I actually burst into tears because it was so humiliating,” he said. His experience is just one of many stories where travelers feel confused and unfairly treated by airline baggage policies.
Different airlines have different rules for carry-on luggage, and this inconsistency often leads to frustration. Some allow a free small bag under the seat, while others charge extra for overhead cabin bags. Passengers frequently complain on social media, asking for clearer guidelines. The confusion has even caught the attention of consumer rights groups, who are pushing for fairer and more consistent rules across airlines.
Recently, European Union transport ministers proposed new rules to standardize the size of free underseat bags. If approved, these rules would require airlines based in the EU to allow one personal item up to 40x30x15cm (including wheels and handles) without extra charges. This would apply to flights to and from EU countries, even if the passenger is from a non-EU country like the US. However, the proposal doesn’t stop airlines from charging for larger overhead cabin bags, meaning some fees might still remain.
Consumer groups argue that these changes don’t go far enough. They believe airlines should not charge extra for reasonably sized hand luggage, as it creates unnecessary stress for travelers. In Spain, five airlines were recently fined millions for what the government called “abusive” baggage fees. The country is now planning to ban extra charges for carry-on luggage altogether.
Benjamin Till’s experience highlights the need for simpler, fairer rules. “It’s just really, really unfair and ridiculous, and there should be one size that goes across all of the airlines,” he said. He also pointed out how difficult it was to find a bag small enough to fit the strict underseat dimensions. Still, despite the hassle, he appreciated the affordable flight and his time in Italy, saying, “Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to come to this beautiful country.”
Experts suggest that travelers should always measure their bags after packing, as a full bag might expand beyond the allowed size. They also advise checking airline policies before booking, as some include baggage in the ticket price, making them a better deal overall. For now, the debate continues, with passengers hoping for clearer, fairer luggage rules in the future.
