New European rule may change hand luggage rules in 2025

Just imagine: are you planning that dream exchange in Europe and discover that maybe you no longer have to worry about extra hand luggage fees? Well, that could be our new reality soon!

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What is happening in practice?

The European Union is discussing a proposal that could completely change the way we travel to European destinations. The idea is simple but revolutionary: to prohibit airlines from charging for hand luggage weighing up to 7 kilos. Nowadays, many low-cost airlines charge extra fees for just about everything - from choosing a seat to carrying a backpack slightly larger than allowed.

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Why does this matter so much to exchange students?

Who has never experienced suffocation trying to fit everything into a hand luggage so as not to pay a fee? For students who are investing in an international experience, every euro saved makes a difference. As we highlighted in our article about 10 essential English terms to use at the airport, knowing the baggage rules is essential to avoid unpleasant surprises during boarding. What if those rules get simpler and cheaper? Even better!

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The impact on your pocket

Shall we do some quick math? A hand baggage fee can cost between €15 and €50, depending on the company and destination. If you are stopping over or need internal flights during your interchange, these values multiply quickly.

For those who are following the 10 tips for the first day of the exchange, saving on the ticket means more money to invest in the real experience - whether to explore the local culture, try the cuisine or even take those weekend trips to neighboring countries.

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What can you do until the rule comes out?

Until the European Union hits the hammer, there are some strategies to avoid falling into the baggage fee pranks:

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Plan ahead

As we mentioned in the article about 11 common exchange student mistakes and how to avoid them, not researching baggage policies in advance is one of the most expensive mistakes you can commit.

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Be strategic in your luggage

• Wear heavier clothing during the flight
• Distribute items between hand and checked baggage
• Invest in a portable scale to avoid surprises at check-in

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Compare total prices

Don't be fooled by super cheap tickets if they come with a bunch of hidden fees. Sometimes a slightly more expensive ticket with luggage included comes out cheaper in the end.

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What if the rule actually passes?

If the proposal is approved, we will be talking about a significant change in the European aviation market. For the exchange sector, this means:

• More accessibility: Trips will be cheaper for students
• Less stress: Without that anxiety of weighing the suitcase 50 times before leaving home
• More mobility: Facilitates travel between countries during the exchange

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Other countries are watching

The European initiative can inspire other regions. Can you imagine if this spread to routes that connect Brazil to Europe? It would be a gift for those who dream of studying abroad!

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In the meantime, focus on what really matters

Regardless of when (or if) this rule comes into effect, the most important thing is not to let issues such as baggage fees discourage you from realizing your dream of studying abroad.

We know that planning an exchange involves a thousand details - from choosing the ideal destination to preparing for life abroad. But every small savings, like this possible change in baggage rules, makes the dream more accessible.

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we know that every detail makes a difference when planning your exchange. That's why our team is always keeping an eye on changes that could benefit our students - whether it's a new baggage rule or more affordable program opportunities. Get in touch with us! We help you navigate all of these practical questions so you can focus on what really matters: living the transformative experience of studying abroad.

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