The threat from low-cost airlines: “This way we’re raising ticket prices for everyone.”
Low-cost airlines, whose revenues are primarily tied to all the additional services passengers can pay to add to their tickets, have already begun mobilizing. In many cases, these services include a larger carry-on bag, in addition to one’s “personal item,” which usually needs to be very small (a backpack or handbag).
The Italian Association of Low-Fare Airlines (AICALF), which represents Ryanair, EasyJet, and Volotea, among others, said the reform will “increase prices for all passengers, even those who choose to travel light.” These airlines have no intention of reducing their revenue, and the extra cost for a larger carry-on bag generates revenue of approximately ten billion euros annually, according to a report in Corriere della Sera.
Therefore, the most immediate solution might be: the option to purchase a “basic” ticket, without carry-on luggage and at a reduced price, would disappear, and everyone would have to pay what was previously an extra fee. This would clearly increase costs for passengers. For now, however, as mentioned, the change is still far from coming into force.
Where is the reform at and what happens now?
The Transport Committee’s vote doesn’t make the change definitive. The text will have to pass the plenary session of the European Parliament, where it will arrive in July. Approval is almost certain here, given that the political groups have already agreed. But after that, the most complicated phase begins.
As required by European regulations, after Parliament’s approval, negotiations will begin with the EU Council, which represents the governments of the 27 EU member states. On June 5, the Council also agreed on its own line. Parliamentarians and ministers will need to reach an agreement that works for everyone, and only then can the reform be definitively approved. In the meantime, things could still change. This will likely take months.
