Key facts
- The European Parliament has approved a significant overhaul of air passenger rights, the first update in 22 years.
- New rules ensure families with children under 14 are not charged extra to sit together.
- Ticket prices displayed online must now include one free item of hand luggage.
- Compensation amounts for flight cancellations or delays exceeding three hours remain unchanged.
- Pre-filled claim forms for passengers experiencing disruption were removed from the final deal.
- The revised rules will come into effect in 2027.
The European Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a significant overhaul of air passenger rights, marking the first update to regulations established in 2004. The new rules aim to enhance passenger protections against travel disruptions, including denied boarding, delays, and cancellations.
Key changes include ensuring families with children under 14 can sit together without additional charges and mandating that displayed ticket prices must include one free item of hand luggage. However, compensation amounts for flight cancellations or delays exceeding three hours will remain unchanged, a point of contention for consumer groups.
Consumer advocates, like Olivia Brown of Euroconsumers, expressed disappointment over the removal of pre-filled claim forms from the final agreement, which they believe would have simplified the compensation process for passengers. While acknowledging progress, Brown stated the outcome was 'bittersweet' and not the 'big win' passengers had hoped for, citing unchanged compensation levels and rising holiday costs.
Airline associations, such as the European Regions Airline Association (ERAA), also voiced concerns, particularly regarding the 'one-size-fits-all' compensation fee. Montserrat Barriga, ERAA Director General, argued that this approach does not account for the operational realities of regional airlines, where compensation can sometimes exceed the original ticket price. Barriga welcomed the removal of pre-filled claim forms, citing potential IT system burdens on smaller airlines.
Negotiations reportedly involved significant debate, with attempts by some EU governments to weaken passenger rights, including proposals to reduce compensation amounts and increase delay thresholds. MEP Andrey Novakov, the Parliament's lead negotiator, criticized these efforts, suggesting airline industry influence on transport ministers. The revised rules are scheduled to take effect in 2027.