After more than ten years of talks, the European Parliament gave its final approval on Tuesday to a revised regulation on air passenger rights. The vote was overwhelming: 646 MEPs in favour, 12 against, and three abstentions. The new rules, which will take effect in 2027, reaffirm key protections for travellers across the European Union.
Compensation for Delays Remains Unchanged
Under the current framework, passengers are entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600 when a flight is cancelled or delayed by more than three hours. The updated text keeps this provision intact. For flights longer than 3,500 kilometres, the compensation will be €300; for delays exceeding four hours or cancellations, it rises to €600. Airlines must pay within 30 days of a claim, and passengers have nine months to file their request. Carriers can still invoke extraordinary circumstances to avoid payment.
Free Cabin Luggage Guaranteed
A central point of contention has been cabin baggage fees. The new regulation ensures that all passengers are entitled to bring one free personal item on board, measuring 40 cm by 30 cm by 15 cm. Low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet have long charged extra for small wheeled bags or backpacks. From 2027, airlines must display fares inclusive of carry-on luggage on all booking platforms, including intermediaries and search portals. However, they may offer cheaper tickets to passengers who voluntarily choose to travel without hand luggage.
Additional Passenger Protections
The rules also address other common frustrations. Passengers will no longer be charged fees for correcting name spelling errors. They will have the right to obtain boarding passes digitally upon check-in, without needing to create a user account or download a specific app. These measures aim to reduce hidden costs and simplify the travel experience.
Industry and Advocacy Reactions
Airlines have argued that the new obligations will inevitably push ticket prices higher, as they absorb the cost of included baggage and faster compensation processing. Passenger associations, on the other hand, say the regulation upholds fundamental rights and provides long-overdue clarity. The European Parliament has been pushing for expanded baggage rights and stronger safeguards since 2013, facing resistance from some EU member states and the aviation industry.
Implementation Timeline
The regulation will apply from 2027, giving airlines and national authorities time to adapt. The European Commission will oversee compliance, and member states will be responsible for enforcement. The new rules are part of a broader effort to modernise EU transport policy, which has also seen updates to the bloc's entry-exit system, causing delays at airports this summer, as reported in our coverage.
The vote marks a significant milestone in EU consumer protection, balancing the interests of passengers and carriers. As the continent's air travel market continues to recover and grow, these rules aim to provide a predictable and fair framework for all.
