The Council of the European Union has approved a landmark overhaul of air passenger rights, set to take effect in 2027. The new regulation, the first major update since 2004, introduces free hand luggage, bans penalties for no-show return flights, and strengthens compensation rules for delays and cancellations.
Free Hand Luggage and Fare Transparency
Under the new rules, passengers will be allowed to take a carry-on bag measuring 40cm x 30cm x 15cm free of charge, in addition to a small under-seat item. Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet must include this allowance in the default fare displayed at the start of booking. However, carriers can offer cheaper tickets to passengers who voluntarily opt out of 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 will 'make it easier to compare to full-service airlines like British Airways and Air France, where trolley bags are included in the fare.'
End of No-Show Penalties
The regulation prohibits 'no-show' policies, meaning airlines cannot deny boarding on a return flight if a passenger missed the outbound journey, nor charge a fee for taking the return flight.
Compensation and Disruption Rights
Rights for delayed or cancelled flights remain largely unchanged. Passengers can still claim €250, €400, or €600 for delays of three hours or more, depending on flight distance. Airlines must inform passengers of their rights within 96 hours of a disruption. Claims must be filed within nine months, and airlines have 30 days to pay or reject the claim if they can prove extraordinary circumstances.
The new rules clarify 'extraordinary circumstances' to include natural disasters, war, weather conditions, unruly passengers, and strikes by airport, air navigation, or ground handling service providers.
Protections for Vulnerable Passengers
Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility can 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 or reduced mobility are entitled to sit together without extra charges.
Reactions from Airlines
Budget airlines have criticised the hand luggage rule. In 2024, Ryanair earned €4.7 billion from extra fees, including baggage. CEO Michael O'Leary called the regulation 'gobbledygook,' stating 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 excluding a second cabin bag.
Political Support
Transport and Tourism Committee Vice-chair Virginijus Sinkevičius called it 'good news for everyone who flies,' adding that passengers will not lose existing rights but will secure 'better protection for families, people with reduced mobility, and others who need it most.' European Parliament member Andrey Novakov said the ruling is a 'win' for passengers and European aviation, ending 'more than 13 years of deadlock.'
The regulation will become applicable 12 months and 20 days after its publication in the EU's Official Journal, expected in 2027.
