News Digest: New EU Flight Carry-On Laws & What Changes in July in France?

The mercury has been rising across much of France and southern Europe over the past week as a heatwave or caniculecontinues to sweep the country. Météo France has put 84 of the 96 mainland departements on orange alert, with the Paris region rising to a red alert today and tomorrow (see the map here) and temperatures predicted to reach up to 37°C.

Temperatures are said to peak on Tuesday and Wednesday, before cooling off on Thursday and Friday and reaching normal seasonal temperatures by the weekend.

The French government has issued guidance for what to do in a canicule or pic de chaleur, which includes staying inside with the shutters closed during the hottest periods, drinking plenty of water but avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, avoiding unnecessary physical activity, and checking on family and neighbours, especially the elderly. See the full list of recommendations here.

The heat also brings with it a high risk of wildfires, and after a series of wildfires broke out in southern France this weekend, reminders are being issued on France’s fire safety rules. You can keep an eye on wildfire alerts across France here.

As we move into the month of July today, there are several changes that come into effect in France. First up is France’s new smoking law, which expands the current national smoking ban to all outdoor public spaces where children may be present – this means beaches, bus stops, and parks are all off limits. The law applies to vaping as well as smoking, but perhaps surprisingly, it doesn’t include café terraces.

Other changes include a rise in gas prices of about 5% for those who use gas for cooking and hot water, a 0.5% increase in unemployment benefits, and a bump in fees for certain medical appointments, including peadatricians (now €60 for a consultation), pychiatrists (now €57), gynacologists (now €40), physical therapists (now €40), and other specialists.

Finally, a new law comes into place requiring employers to follow specific health and safety measures, including limiting work hours, implementing mandatory rest periods, and providing adequate solar protection, water, and cooling devices during times of intense heat. Read the full requirements here.

It’s officially the start of the long school summer holidays in France, as schools break up across the country on Friday, July 5th. Schoolchildren enjoy a generous eight weeks off school, with the holidays lasting until September 1st.

As families head off on their summer holidays, this weekend is set to be busy on France’s motorways, especially on the way out of cities towards the coast, the south, and other vacation spots. If you’re travelling in France this weekend, or any other weekend in July, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on Bison Futé’s traffic alerts – a red travel warning has been issued for this weekend, so plan to travel outside of peak times if you can.

The big news in travel this week is the approval of a new EU travel proposal concerning rules around hand luggage on flights. The proposal, which was voted on by MEPS on the EU Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN), would require all airlines operating flights within the European Union to allow passengers a minimum of one carry-on bag and a “personal item” free of charge. While this is already standard practice for some airlines, many low-cost carriers, including EasyJet, RyanAir, and Wizz, currently impose strict (and ever-changing) rules on hand luggage and charge fees based on the size and weight that can sometimes cost as much or more than the price of the flight itself. This new law would look to protect travellers from hidden costs and price-bumping tactics of budget airlines by ensuring a standard, minimum baggage requirement across the board.

Under the new law, travellers would be able to bring a cabin bag measuring up to 100cm on board in addition to a personal item (such as a small backpack or handbag) no bigger than 40x30x15cm to be stowed under the seat. Airlines operating flights to, from, and within the EU would be required to provide this free of charge for all travellers.

The new rule still needs to be voted on by the European Parliament before being passed into law, so don’t start packing your bags just yet. However, if it is passed, it could come into effect as early as this summer. As always, we’ll keep you updated as we learn more.