Brits' holidays in chaos as meddling EU plots two very expensive rule changes

Tourists' anxiety in airport queues is about to reach new heights as is proposing two very expensive rule changes that would cause Brits' holiday prices to soar. The fear felt by many at the boarding gate about being hit with an extra charge for a carry-on bag could be about to get even worse as proposals to charge for a cabin bag is to be debated by when the 27 EU ambassadors meet on Wednesday, June 4.

The draft proposes include: creating a new free hand luggage item, one small bag that can slip under the seat, leaving other stowed cabin bags and larger baggage exposed to additional costs. The other potentially costly rule being debated is to increase the threshold for being able to claim compensation for delays to flights, according to This would ultimately result in less people being able to claim compensation in the event of being stuck on the tarmac for hours on end.

These proposals are part of a wider project to reform EU air passenger rights which will be negotiated by member states on Wednesday, June 4, before being presented to a meeting of the 27 transport ministers on Thursday, June 5.

Travellers once had to worry about the weight of suitcases going in the hold, now it is shrinking hand baggage allowances that can cause a headache. Airlines appear to have differing stances on this issue.

For instance, Ryanair allows passengers to carry a small bag that fits under the seat free of charge. However, if a gate check determines it is .

A larger cabin bag can be added to a flight booking for £6 to £36 depending on the route but, again, if it is deemed too large it costs £75 to stow.

Whilst EasyJet allows travellers to bring one small under seat cabin bag per person on board for free. It can be a maximum size of 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including any handles and wheels). However, only customers who have purchased an Up front or Extra legroom seat will be able to take a large cabin bag.

The argument about whether travellers should be charged for a cabin bag is a sensitive issue, with the debate hitting new heights last month after European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC) lodged a complaint.

European consumer groups demanded that Brussels scrutinise the including , easyJet, and Wizz Air. Agustín Reyna, director general of BEUC, a collective representing 44 consumer organisations, accused airlines of "exploiting consumers" and "ignoring the EU top court, which ruled that "charging for reasonably sized hand baggage is illegal".

Steven Berger, a lawyer with the European Consumers' Organisation (BEUC), called for "clearer rules".

He said: "The European Court of Justice has made it very clear that hand baggage is an integral part of the basic ticket price. Normally, there is no surcharge on the price as long as the hand luggage is of a reasonable size.

"All we're seeing is a proliferation of airlines charging for this baggage (...) we're calling for very clear rules. Passengers must be able to take one piece of luggage, a small suitcase or a rucksack."

Spain has emerged as a hotbed for this issue. Last year, its Consumer Rights Ministry fined five budget airlines, including Ryanair, a total of €179m (£150m) for charging passengers for .