The Council of the European Union has approved a landmark overhaul of air passenger rights, the first major update since 2004, set to take effect in 2027. The new regulation introduces free hand luggage, prohibits airlines from charging for name corrections, and bans 'no-show' policies that previously denied return flights to passengers who missed the outbound leg. The rules also mandate clearer compensation procedures and stronger protections for vulnerable travellers.
Free Hand Luggage and Fare Transparency
Under the new rules, passengers will be entitled to carry on board a cabin bag measuring up to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm at no extra cost, in addition to a smaller under-seat item. This forces low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet to include such luggage in the base fare displayed at the start of the booking process. However, airlines may offer cheaper tickets to passengers who voluntarily opt out of carrying hand luggage. Rhys Jones, Aviation Editor at Head for Points, told Metro: 'Affected airlines will now need to show a default price that includes a cabin trolley bag, although passengers will be able to opt out during the process for an additional saving.' He added that this would 'make it easier to compare to full-service airlines such as British Airways and Air France, where trolley bags are included in the fare.'
End of 'No-Show' Penalties and Name Correction Fees
The regulation prohibits airlines from charging passengers for correcting minor booking errors, such as misspelled names. Additionally, the 'no-show' policy is banned: passengers who miss the outbound flight cannot be denied boarding on the return journey, nor can they be charged a fee for it. This addresses a long-standing frustration for travellers who risked losing their entire itinerary due to a single missed segment.
Clearer Compensation for Delays and Cancellations
Airlines must now inform passengers of their rights and the claims procedure within 96 hours of a disruption. Compensation amounts remain unchanged: €250, €400, or €600 for delays of three hours or more, depending on flight distance. Passengers have nine months to file a claim, and airlines must pay or reject it within 30 days. The rules clarify 'extraordinary circumstances' that exempt airlines from compensation, including natural disasters, war, weather, unruly passengers, and strikes by airport or air navigation staff. This aims to reduce disputes and make it easier for passengers to exercise their rights.
Protections for Vulnerable Passengers
Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility can now claim compensation, rerouting, and assistance if they miss a flight due to airport staff failing to help them reach the gate on time. Families with children, pregnant passengers, and people with disabilities have the right to sit together without extra charges. European Parliament member Andrey Novakov called the ruling a 'win' for passengers and European aviation: 'After more than 13 years of deadlock, we are finally replacing uncertainty with clear rules, stronger rights and confidence. When people take a plane, their rights will not be left behind on the ground.'
Airlines' Response
Budget airlines have criticised the hand luggage rule. Ryanair made €4.7 billion from ancillary fees in 2024, including baggage charges. CEO Michael O'Leary described the regulation as 'gobbledygook', claiming it 'require airlines to falsely advertise higher air fares, making EU airlines even less competitive.' He noted that over 50% of Ryanair customers choose fares without a second cabin bag. Despite such opposition, the regulation is expected to benefit millions of travellers when it comes into force 12 months and 20 days after publication in the EU's Official Journal.
