EU wants to standardise carry-on luggage rules.

If you fly to Kraków (for a city break, concerts, or a business trip), you probably know the carry-on issue from experience: a “cheap” ticket can suddenly become significantly more expensive because your bag is a few centimetres too large, or because each airline applies different rules. The European Union is working on changes intended to bring order to this area and limit hidden surcharges.

What is the planned change?

In the EU legislative process, a strong direction is emerging: passengers would have the right to take two pieces of luggage on board without extra fees:

• a personal item (e.g., a backpack or laptop bag) to be placed under the seat, and

• a small cabin suitcase with parameters of up to 100 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height) and up to 7 kg.

Important: these rules are not final yet—the legislative process is still ongoing within EU institutions, and the final wording may still be refined.

What about the size of the “personal item” and why does it matter?

Today, the under-seat “personal item” is the most common source of confusion. EU proposals include the idea of a shared minimum standard so passengers don’t have to learn new rules for every airline. For example, a European Parliament committee indicated 40 × 30 × 15 cm as a reference point for a personal item.

At the same time, some airlines already allow larger dimensions:

• Wizz Air: free under-seat bag up to 40 × 30 × 20 cm

• easyJet: free under-seat bag up to 45 × 36 × 20 cm

• Ryanair: has recently updated the dimensions of the free “personal item” to 40 × 30 × 20 cm (relevant for many travellers flying to Kraków from across Europe)

Why are airlines pushing back?

Carriers argue that:

• aircraft cabins have limited space, and more cabin suitcases could mean more bags being moved to the hold at the gate,

• ancillary revenues (including baggage fees) are a key part of the low-cost business model, so the changes could lead to higher ticket prices.

For passengers, however, the potential benefit is clear: more transparency, fewer surprises, and easier price comparison.

What could this mean in practice for MedHotel guests?

Kraków is very well connected by air, and many of our guests arrive:

• for a weekend stay,

• for seasonal events,

• on business trips (often travelling light, with only cabin luggage).

If the changes are adopted in the proposed form, travelling to Kraków could typically mean:

• less stress at the gate (more standardised rules),

• less pressure to pay extra for a small suitcase,

• easier packing planning, especially for short stays.

Quick guide: how to pack for 2–4 nights in Kraków “carry-on only”

If the “two items on board” standard becomes widespread (and enforceable), the most practical setup looks like this:

1) Personal item (under the seat)

Best choice: a soft backpack or bag that can flex slightly in a sizing frame.

• documents, wallet, chargers, power bank

• a light hoodie or rain jacket

• compact toiletry bag (liquids in line with airport security rules)

• medication / essentials you don’t want out of reach

2) Cabin suitcase (overhead locker)

This is where smart packing matters:

• 2 outfits + 1 “backup” (underwear, T-shirt)

• comfortable shoes (wear the heavier pair)

• a foldable tote for souvenirs (for the return trip)

• mini “hotel kit”: sleepwear, slippers, small personal items

How to prepare now—before the rules change

Until the EU process is completed, the best approach is:

• always check the free baggage dimensions in the specific airline’s policy (easyJet and Wizz Air publish this clearly; Ryanair has also updated its rules),

• choose a soft backpack as your personal item—easier to fit in a sizer,

• for short trips, pack in layers and keep toiletries minimal,

• if you have an early flight, prepare your bag the day before to avoid stress and last-minute fees at the airport.

Summary

The EU is clearly aiming to make carry-on rules more predictable: two items on board (a personal item plus a small cabin suitcase up to 7 kg and 100 cm total dimensions) and fewer “hidden” surcharges. If these rules enter into force, flying to Kraków—and therefore travelling to MedHotel—should simply become more convenient.