Millions of passengers will breathe a sigh of relief: the EU is changing flight rules

After ten years of discussions, the European Union has agreed on new rules for the protection of air passengers. According to these rules, airlines will no longer be able to charge extra fees for carry-on luggage of a specified size, and passengers will still have the right to monetary compensation for long flight delays.

The European Union has approved new rules regulating the rights of air passengers. One of the most notable changes will be the ban on charging extra fees for carry-on luggage on flights, including budget airlines, reports NOS.

According to the new regulations, passengers will be allowed to bring on board a personal item measuring up to 40×30×15 centimeters, as well as a small wheeled suitcase weighing up to seven kilograms.

At the same time, airlines will retain the right to offer cheaper tickets to passengers traveling without carry-on luggage.

Representatives of the aviation industry have already warned that the new requirements could lead to an increase in ticket prices, as companies will have to compensate for the loss of additional revenue.

Compensation for delays remains

Negotiations between the European Commission, the European Parliament, and EU countries regarding the new rules lasted nearly ten years.

Previously, the European Commission proposed increasing the minimum delay time that entitles passengers to compensation from three to five hours. Some states also advocated for a review of the compensation amounts, considering them too burdensome for airlines.

However, in the end, the compensation amounts remained the same and correspond to the current legislation adopted back in 2004.

The new version of the rules clarifies the compensation amounts:

up to 300 euros for delays on flights longer than 3500 kilometers;
up to 600 euros if the delay exceeds four hours or the flight was canceled.

When the new rules will come into effect

The agreement must be officially approved and then endorsed by the European Parliament. It is expected that the deputies will support the document, as it was agreed upon by the delegation representing the parliament in the negotiations.

The new regulations are expected to come into effect next year.

EU air passenger rights apply to all flights departing from EU countries, as well as flights to the EU operated by European airlines.

If the new rules come into effect, passengers of budget airlines will be able to save significantly on flights, as carry-on luggage will become free. At the same time, important guarantees for compensation for delays and cancellations remain in place, strengthening the protection of travelers' rights in Europe.