The European Parliament has announced new EU travel rules that will affect passengers of budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Jet2. The UK is expected to adopt similar regulations shortly after.
Key Changes for Air Travelers
The new regulations cover compensation, child seating, and flight pricing. Airlines must now display transparent ticket prices that include hand luggage. Passengers have the right to bring one personal item on board without extra charge.
Price Transparency
Airlines, intermediaries, and search portals must consistently show the air fare inclusive of carry-on luggage at the start of the booking process. Airlines may offer cheaper tickets for passengers who voluntarily travel without hand luggage.
No Extra Fees for Corrections
Passengers will no longer face extra charges for correcting spelling mistakes in their names or for obtaining a printed boarding pass after check-in.
Digital Boarding Passes
Passengers have the right to receive boarding passes digitally upon check-in without needing a user account or specific app. They cannot be refused boarding for using their own printed version of a digitally issued boarding pass.
Compensation and Duty of Care
Compensation for delayed or cancelled flights is based on distance: €250 for journeys up to 1,500 km, €400 for 1,500-3,500 km, and €600 for longer flights. Airlines can reduce compensation by 50% for long routes if rerouting is offered and arrival delay does not exceed four hours.
Airlines must provide refreshments after two hours, a meal after three hours, and overnight accommodation for up to three nights during lengthy delays.
Faster Reimbursement
Airlines must electronically provide guidance on compensation claims within four days after the journey. Passengers have nine months to lodge a request, and airlines have 30 days to pay or explain why compensation is not due.
Protecting Vulnerable Passengers
Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility are entitled to compensation if they miss a flight due to airport assistance failure. Families with children under 14 must be seated together at no extra cost. Pregnant women also benefit from adjacent seating.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: "This agreement will strengthen the rights of air passengers across Europe. It will bring greater transparency and predictability for both consumers and airlines."
