> seems to be focused on whether a cost can be charged for providing such services (opt-out vs opt-in for a base fare), not on guaranteeing actual in-cabin storage for such bags

I read "entitled" as granting a right. I've tried searching for the draft legal language, but am having no luck.

Being entitled does grant a right, it just doesn't redefine what the name of the service being offered means on its own. The second reading draft differences can be found here https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-7162-2026-I... (pages 116-117) and it locks in the existing process:

> Article 11a Right to personal item and hand baggage ...

> The hand baggage may be stored either in the aircraft cabin (as carry-on baggage) or in the aircraft hold. The carrier may refuse to allow the hand baggage on board only on grounds of security connected with the weight or size of the hand baggage in relation to the characteristics of the aircraft.

Side note: Parts of the elided text even stop short of guaranteeing your personal item will actually make it to the cabin in all cases.