Air France and KLM to Charge UK Travellers for Hand Luggage on European Flights Starting September
In a significant shift that may affect the travel budgets of thousands of UK holidaymakers, Air France and KLM have introduced new hand luggage charges for flights between the UK and key European Union destinations. Beginning 9 September 2025, the carriers will implement a “Basic” fare option that includes only a small personal item—excluding the standard cabin bag that many travellers have long considered a given.
Announced in early July, the new fare structure is now available for booking and is part of a broader strategy by Air France–KLM to offer more competitive base fares, particularly in response to the growing dominance of low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet. However, for many leisure travellers from the UK, the change translates to a pricier experience for trips that previously included free hand luggage.
What’s Included in the New “Basic” Fare?
The new Basic fare permits only one small personal item on board, such as a handbag, laptop case, or small backpack, with dimensions not exceeding 40 x 30 x 15 cm. Travellers wishing to bring an additional cabin suitcase (up to 55 x 35 x 25 cm) must now pay from €15 per segment, with fees varying depending on the route and time of booking.
These additional charges can be applied during the booking process or added later during online check-in, up to four hours prior to departure. For members of Flying Blue, the loyalty programme shared by both airlines, existing hand luggage allowances remain unaffected when booking higher-tier fares.
Routes Impacted by the Policy
The Basic fare is applicable on select short-haul routes within Europe, particularly those with heavy tourist traffic. Affected destinations include:
- Helsinki, Finland
- Athens, Greece
- Vienna, Austria
- Munich, Germany
This move is widely interpreted as a revenue-generation measure that also allows Air France–KLM to position themselves competitively alongside low-cost rivals. These competitors frequently offer low headline fares but charge for essentials like luggage and seat selection.
Fare Types: Basic vs. Light, Standard, and Flex
The Basic fare now sits as the lowest tier in Air France–KLM’s four-level pricing system for short-haul flights:
- Basic – small personal item only
- Light – includes one carry-on suitcase
- Standard – adds a checked bag and flexible rebooking
- Flex – most adaptable with premium benefits
This pricing model mirrors practices already standard in the U.S. and on other European airlines, as traditional carriers evolve their offerings to meet demand for low upfront ticket prices.
New UK Travel Restrictions: Meat and Dairy Ban
Travellers returning to the UK from EU countries should also be aware of new import restrictions that ban certain food products. As of 2025, meat and dairy products not treated according to UK standards are prohibited from entering the country due to concerns over Foot and Mouth disease.
This includes:
- Lamb, pork, goat meat, and mutton
- Cheese, yogurt, and salami
- Sandwiches containing any of the above
Violators could face fines up to £5,000, according to guidance from the UK Government and Border Force. The new rule mirrors existing EU restrictions on non-EU food imports and is part of post-Brexit public health policy enforcement.
EU Travel Advice: Schengen Entry Rules Still Apply
In addition to fare changes and baggage costs, UK tourists should remain vigilant about EU passport validity and entry rules.
UK passport holders must:
- Have a passport issued within the last 10 years
- Ensure at least 3 months’ validity beyond their planned departure date from the EU
- Comply with the 90/180-day stay rule: travellers can only spend 90 days within a 180-day period in the Schengen Area without a visa
The Schengen zone includes 25 EU countries and 4 non-EU states (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein). Those exceeding permitted durations or with non-compliant passports may be denied entry upon arrival.
Why This Matters for UK Tourists
This latest policy change from Air France and KLM highlights a growing trend in European aviation: low base fares balanced by add-on charges. While this may benefit ultra-light travellers, families, leisure tourists, and even digital nomads may find their travel costs increasing when they factor in cabin baggage, checked bags, or food on board.
The combined effects of new airline fare structures, UK border restrictions on food, and stringent EU entry rules underline the importance of thorough travel preparation. As airlines adjust to global economic pressures and post-pandemic operational costs, passengers can expect more nuanced fare structures and stricter carry-on enforcement across the board.
Travel Tip:
To avoid unexpected costs, UK travellers are encouraged to review fare terms before booking and check all border and customs guidelines for both the UK and EU destinations. Signing up for airline loyalty programmes such as Flying Blue may help mitigate baggage costs in the long run.
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