EU lawmakers vote to bar carry-on luggage fees on planes

Brussels, Belgium: European lawmakers pushed on Tuesday to ban airlines from charging passengers for small carry on luggage in a move strongly opposed...

Brussels, Belgium: European lawmakers pushed on Tuesday to ban airlines from charging passengers for small carry-on luggage in a move strongly opposed by the aviation sector.

The European Parliament's transport committee adopted a proposal that would allow travellers to bring a personal item into the cabin, such as a handbag or backpack, and a hand luggage of up to seven kilogrammes (15 pounds) at no extra fee.

The measure sought to spare passengers "unjustified extra costs", said Matteo Ricci, a centre-left lawmaker and bill's lead sponsor.

Many low-cost air carriers include only one small on-board item in the ticket, charging extra for other hand baggage.

Airlines for Europe (A4E), an industry association, condemned the proposal, suggesting it would result in higher flight prices, upping costs for those who travel light.