The European Council has approved new aviation rules that will require airlines to display the price of hand luggage at the start of the booking process, prohibiting bait-and-switch tactics where customers are lured with a low base fare only to be hit with baggage charges at checkout. The rules take effect from mid-2027 and apply to all flights within, to, and from the European Union.
Key Provisions and Impact on Passengers
The new regulations also ban airlines from denying boarding for a return flight if a passenger did not take the corresponding outbound flight—a practice known as 'no show.' Additionally, passengers with reduced mobility gain new rights, including compensation at airports that fail to meet accessibility standards and a guarantee that specialised equipment will be replaced free of charge if lost.
Cypriot politician Alexis Vafeades announced the laws, stating: “This modernised framework will deliver certainty, fairness and stronger protection for millions of European air passengers. The agreement strikes a fair balance for our airlines, helping preserve connectivity that is vital to the EU’s internal market and its citizens.”
Compensation for Delays and Cancellations
Compensation rights for cancellations and delays remain largely unchanged, set at €250 for flights under 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km, and €600 for all other flights. During delays, passengers are entitled to refreshments every two hours, a meal after three hours, and every five hours thereafter (up to three meals per day), along with internet access and two phone calls.
Application to Non-EU Airlines and UK Passengers
Non-EU airlines are bound by the same rules. While UK passengers are not guaranteed identical rights, experts believe it would be difficult for European airlines to follow two sets of guidelines, making it likely that Brits will receive the same treatment. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is considering writing similar rights into UK law, according to Sky News.
