Strict carry-on rules push Dutch travelers to pay more or skip flying, survey finds

Strict airline hand luggage policies are prompting many Dutch travelers to bring less and pay more when flying—and in some cases, to avoid flying altogether. According to a survey by PanelWizard on behalf of Dutch insurer Univé, 37 percent of Dutch respondents said they are considering skipping air travel for their next holiday.

The survey found that one in three Dutch people are rethinking their holiday destinations and modes of transportation to avoid extra charges for carry-on baggage. When explicitly asked about the impact of recent hand luggage restrictions, more than one in four said they plan to fly less often for vacations.

Still, 58 percent of Dutch holidaymakers said they are willing to pay extra for carry-on baggage if it means avoiding changes to their travel plans.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, European Union transport ministers proposed new rules to standardize carry-on baggage dimensions across EU airlines. According to the BBC, passengers would be guaranteed one free personal item no larger than 40x30x15 centimeters—including wheels and handles—that must fit under the seat in front of them.

The proposed rules would apply to all EU-based airlines, such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet, including when flying to or from non-EU countries like the United Kingdom.

The move aims to bring clarity to a 2011 EU court ruling that held airlines could not charge extra for hand baggage that meets “reasonable” size and weight limits. However, the ruling did not define what “reasonable” meant, leading to widely varying policies among airlines.

The proposed regulation may also affect travel insurance policies, Univé warned. Checked luggage faces higher risks of damage, loss, or theft, while carry-on bags remain under the traveler’s supervision throughout the journey.