European Union member states have agreed on a major overhaul of air passenger rights, introducing new rules on cabin baggage, compensation for flight disruptions and consumer protections in what would be the bloc’s most significant reform of aviation passenger rights in more than a decade.
The agreement, backed by a large majority of EU countries, still requires final approval from the European Parliament, expected in July. The new rules are due to take effect in the second half of 2027.
Under the proposed legislation, airlines operating within the EU will be required to include a small personal item and a cabin suitcase in the basic ticket price. Passengers travelling without cabin luggage will be entitled to a reduced fare, although airlines will retain the right to set their own limits on baggage size and weight.
The reform also bans additional charges for seating children under the age of 14 next to their parents or guardians. Similar protections will apply to passengers with disabilities and their accompanying persons.
Compensation rights for delayed and cancelled flights will largely remain unchanged. Passengers will continue to be eligible for compensation ranging from 250 euros to 600 euros, depending on flight distance and the length of the disruption.
For flights exceeding 3,500 kilometres, compensation will amount to 300 euros for delays of three to four hours and 600 euros for delays exceeding four hours or for cancelled flights.
The new framework will also require airlines to provide clearer information about passenger rights and simplify procedures for filing compensation claims.
EU governments agreed to clarify the circumstances under which airlines can refuse compensation payments. These “extraordinary circumstances” include severe weather conditions and other events beyond the carrier’s control.
Consumer organisations welcomed the agreement as a step towards greater legal certainty and transparency for travellers, while airline industry representatives warned that the measures could increase operational costs and place additional financial burdens on carriers.
The reform comes as European air travel continues to recover from years of disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, labour shortages and recurring air traffic control strikes, which have repeatedly tested the bloc’s passenger protection framework.