Brussels Airlines is set to revamp its pricing structure for short and medium-haul flights by eliminating free overhead cabin baggage from its cheapest ticket options. This new fare, called Economy Basic, will permit travelers to bring only a small personal item that fits under the seat, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack. This marks a shift from the current Economy Light fare, which allows passengers to carry both a personal item and a standard cabin bag.
Passengers who wish to travel with a larger cabin suitcase will need to either opt for a higher fare category or pay an additional fee. This new fare structure will be trialed starting April 28, with applicable flights departing from May 19 on selected routes. Should this initial phase prove successful, Brussels Airlines plans to implement this change across its broader European network.
This initiative is part of a larger strategy within the Lufthansa Group, which encompasses several airlines including Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa City Airlines, and Air Dolomiti. Airlines within the group argue that this change allows more flexibility by offering lower fares to passengers who travel light. However, for travelers who frequently carry cabin luggage, the overall cost—once baggage fees are accounted for—may not see a significant reduction.
The new fare policy is likely to have the most pronounced impact on business travelers, frequent flyers, expatriates, and families, who often depend on cabin baggage to sidestep checked luggage fees and avoid delays at airports. Passengers are encouraged to thoroughly review fare conditions before making a booking and to consider the total travel cost, including any baggage fees, instead of focusing solely on the initial ticket price.
While travelers who require only a personal item might benefit from reduced costs, for many, the lowest ticket price may no longer equate to the most economical travel option overall.