Deal on air passenger rights: MEPs secure improved traveller protection

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   EU air passenger rights deal finalised: free baggage, faster payouts and clearer rules

   The European Parliament and EU Council have agreed on revised air passenger rights after 12 years of talks. The deal includes mandatory free cabin baggage, maintained compensation for delays, and streamlined reimbursement for denied boarding. It now awaits a final parliamentary vote before taking effect in mid-2027. Cyprus played a key role in securing the compromise.

   What's confirmed:

   • EU transport ministers and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on updated air passenger rights on June 15, 2026.
   • The revised rules introduce mandatory free cabin baggage for all passengers, maintaining existing compensation for delays over three hours.
   • Faster reimbursement processes for denied boarding and clearer compensation procedures are part of the deal.
   • Cyprus contributed significantly to steering the agreement, with officials describing the rules as bringing greater transparency on ticket prices and hand luggage.
   confidence 100%
2. 2h ago

   EU finalizes air passenger rights deal: free cabin bags, faster payouts, delay compensation intact

   The European Parliament and EU Council have agreed to overhaul air passenger rights after 12 years of negotiations. Key changes include mandatory free cabin baggage, maintained compensation for delays over three hours, and faster reimbursement for denied boarding. The deal now awaits final parliamentary vote before taking effect in mid-2027.

   What's confirmed:

   • EU airlines must include cabin baggage in base fares under the new rules, ending decade-long charges for carry-on suitcases.
   • Compensation for passengers experiencing delays of three hours or more remains unchanged, with Spain and Latvia the only countries voting against the compromise.
   • The agreement ensures fee-free child seating and requires airlines to disclose all mandatory fees upfront, improving flight price transparency.
   • Faster reimbursement processes for denied boarding and cancellations are now required under the updated rules.
   • The deal must still pass a final vote in the European Parliament’s plenary session next month before entering force in the second half of 2027.
   • Austria and Finland abstained from the vote, while Spain criticized the compromise as not ambitious enough.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • Airlines are reportedly reacting angrily to the new rules, though no official industry-wide statement has been released.
   • Some sources suggest the reforms could spur job growth in the EU travel sector, but no concrete economic impact data is available yet.
   confidence 98%