European Union institutions have reached a final agreement on a long-delayed overhaul of air passenger rights, introducing major changes that will take effect in 2027, pending formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
The reform ends the practice of charging extra fees for standard hand luggage on flights within the EU. Airlines, including low-cost carriers, will be required to include both a personal item and a small cabin suitcase in the base ticket price. Each passenger will be entitled to a personal item measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm and a wheeled bag with a total size of up to 100 cm and a maximum weight of 7 kg.
Under the new rules, families traveling with children will also be guaranteed adjacent seating at no additional cost. Airlines will no longer be allowed to separate passengers under the age of 14 from their accompanying adults.
The agreement also strengthens passenger compensation rights in cases of disruption. Travelers will retain the right to a full refund or re-routing if their flight is cancelled or if boarding is denied. In addition, compensation will apply for delays of more than three hours or cancellations notified less than 14 days before departure.
