eu air passenger rights reform hand luggage

EU air passenger rights reform: hand luggage and family rules

The European Union has taken a further step in reforming air passenger rights, after approving a modification to the regulations that will affect millions of travellers, particularly as the summer holidays approach for many people. The new measures focus on several areas, including hand luggage and seating for children.

Hand luggage rules clarified

One of the aspects that causes most concern among travellers is the issue of hand luggage. The reform will oblige airlines and booking platforms to display a fare that includes a piece of hand luggage from the very first search, preventing the true cost of the ticket from appearing only at the end of the purchasing process. However, this does not mean that Brussels has decreed that this type of luggage can travel free of charge. Airlines continue to have freedom to design their fares and may offer cheaper tickets to those travelling only with a handbag or backpack that fits under the seat. What is guaranteed is the right to board with a personal item of this nature without additional cost.

Compensation for delays and cancellations

The reform maintains the financial compensation that passengers receive when affected by delays or cancellations. Those who experience a delay of more than three hours can claim:

  • 250 euros for flights up to 1,500 kilometres
  • 400 euros for intra-Community flights or those between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres
  • 600 euros for long-haul flights

In addition, airlines are obliged to inform travellers of their rights in these situations. If the delay forces passengers to spend the night away from home, the airline must provide free accommodation and transport between the airport and the hotel for those affected.

Family-friendly changes

Another positive change that will benefit families travelling with children is that airlines will no longer be allowed to charge supplements to guarantee that children sit next to their relatives. Furthermore, those travelling with pushchairs will be able to hand them over at the aircraft door and collect them at the same point at the end of the flight. The aim of this measure is to make family travel easier, especially when travelling with minors, which tends to be more complicated.

Implementation timeline

These measures will not apply immediately. Once officially published in the Official Journal of the European Union, member states will have a period of twelve months to adapt them, meaning they are expected to come into force from 2027.

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