Free hand luggage up to 7 kg and compensation up to 600 euros – how the EU is changing rules for air passengers
After more than ten years of negotiations, representatives of the European Parliament and the EU Council have reached a preliminary agreement on updating the rules for protecting air passengers' rights. The final decision is to be made by both institutions, reports NL Times.
Hand luggage without extra fees
According to the agreement, passengers will be able to bring on board without additional payment:
- a personal item sized up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm;
- a small wheeled suitcase weighing up to 7 kg.
At the same time, airlines will be allowed to offer cheaper fares for passengers who voluntarily agree to travel without hand luggage.
Compensation for flight delays
The right to compensation for a flight delay of at least three hours is planned to be retained. The amount will range from 250 to 600 euros depending on the flight distance.
Airlines will be able to reduce the compensation amount if they offer the passenger an alternative route.
Compensation will not be paid in cases of extraordinary circumstances beyond the carrier's control. These include war, natural disasters, severe weather conditions, or airport staff strikes.
Additional guarantees for passengers
The new rules provide that airlines will be required to seat an adult and a child under 14 traveling together next to each other free of charge.
Similar guarantees will also apply to passengers with disabilities, people with reduced mobility, and pregnant women.
Separately, it is planned to make corrections of spelling errors in passenger data and obtaining printed boarding passes free of charge.
Next steps
The European Parliament and the EU Council must separately approve the reached agreement. If the process proceeds without delays, the new rules may come into effect in 2027.
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