New rules will stop airlines charging for bags on flights but not all Brits will benefit

Airlines will not be able to charge for bags amid a whole set of rules being brought in to protect flyers.

A whole raft of new rules are set to come into force for airlines, including not charging parents more to sit with their children, and are aimed at protecting passengers from hidden costs when booking their flights.

The rules are set to come into force in the UK and Europe in October 2027at the earliest point, and also include one rule that can be a major sticking point for passengers - luggage.

Many of us have been there, getting lured in by a deal for a cheap flight only to find ourselves being bogged down by a series of hidden subsequent charges, suddenly turning a cheap deal into a expensive trip.

But under the new rules passengers are now allowed to have up to two items of hand luggage on a flight at no extra cost, The Sun reports.

These are made up of one item of luggage which can fit under the seat in front of you, like a handbag, rucksack, or satchel, as well as larger cabin bag which can weigh up to 7kg.

One bag can fit under the seat in front (Getty Stock)

Unfortunately, while these rules sound great unfortunately at present Brits will only be able to use them on certain flights.

While flights coming from inside the EU to the UK will be subject to these rules, the outbound flights will not be subject to them, landing Brits in a weight situation where they have to follow strict rules when flying out, but not flying back.

For example if you wanted to fly from Manchester to Barcelona, then this flight would not be covered by the new luggage rules, but the flight from Barcelona to Manchester would be covered.

While it's not as good as having the rules apply for both trips, at least it leaves space for passengers to do some shopping while abroad and bring back some souvenirs.

However this is just how it is at present, and the UK government could also make rules to match the EU ones which would mean that this rule is in force both ways.

Happily though, other new rules which are coming into force which are also applying fully in the UK.

You can also have one piece of luggage that can go in the overhead compartments (Getty Stock)

Another rule includes families not having to pay any extra to be able to sit together on flights

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Parents should not have to feel the pinch just to sit next to their child on a flight, or for amending a simple booking error.

“That’s why we’re scrapping these unnecessary charges for all airlines.

“Another everyday fix to help put money back in people’s pockets and give households more breathing room.”

The government has claimed that a parent and child could be charged as much as £104 to sit together for a return journey, something the new rules are aimed at putting a stop to.

“Charging parents just to sit with their children is a rip-off, plain and simple," said Prime Minister Andy Burnham.