The changes directly affect passengers in key situations, such as carry-on baggage and the transportation of liquids, two of the areas that generate the most questions and conflicts at security checkpoints. And, although exact percentage growth data has not been publicly released, the volume of searches for "new carry-on baggage rules" has increased substantially on platforms like Google Trends, reflecting travellers’ interest and concern in understanding how these changes affect them, according to AirHelp.

Liquids

One of the biggest changes relates to the transportation of liquids. Recently, the European Commission announced the installation of new scanners at European Union airports, allowing liquids larger than 100 ml to be carried in carry-on baggage. This technology is already implemented, or is in the process of being implemented, in approximately 700 scanners distributed across 21 European Union Member States. In airports such as Madrid, Milan, Amsterdam, and Berlin, for example, it is now possible to carry containers of up to two litres without having to collect them at security. In Portugal, Lisbon is one of the airports that will receive this new technology, and it is currently being installed.

It is worth noting that, in terminals that do not yet have this technology, the traditional limit on transporting containers of up to 100 ml and a maximum of 1 litre in total remains.

Carry-on baggage

Regarding carry-on baggage, the European Parliament's proposed new regulation aims to recognize passengers' right to carry on board, at no additional cost, one personal item or carry-on bag (40 × 30 × 15 cm) and one personal accessory with a combined size of up to 100 cm and 7 kg. The goal is to standardize carry-on baggage sizes, eliminating confusion and unexpected costs at boarding gates. The proposal stems from a ruling by the Court of Justice of the EU, which holds that carry-on baggage should not incur additional costs, as long as it respects reasonable limits.

In this context, AirHelp emphasises that carry-on baggage "is a basic passenger right and cannot become a source of abusive surcharges by airlines."

"The new airport rules aim to facilitate security and improve the passenger experience, but they should never be used as an excuse for airlines to impose undue charges. Charging for carry-on baggage is an abusive practice and is illegal," says Pedro Miguel Madaleno, a lawyer specializing in air passenger rights and an AirHelp representative in Portugal.

Essential items

In addition to baggage, certain essential items are protected by regulations and can be transported at no additional cost. For example, checking or carrying strollers and/or wheelchairs for people with reduced mobility should never incur an extra cost for the passenger. Likewise, a charge cannot be made for carrying a backpack containing essential baby care items (formula milk, diapers, bottles, food, etc.), even if the passenger is not paying for the space. The same applies to a first aid kit containing medication, oxygen, electronic devices, etc., for passengers who can justify, through a medical report, that they should carry it with them.

“The goal must be clear: a simpler and more transparent travel experience, where safety and the protection of passenger rights go hand in hand,” concludes AirHelp.