EU adopts new airline passenger rights, banning hidden fees and boosting compensation

The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have reached a provisional agreement to overhaul airline passenger rights, the first major update since 2004. Under the deal, airlines will no longer be able to charge extra fees for a small hand‑bag, printing boarding passes, or correcting a typo on a ticket. The price of a ticket must now include the right to one personal item on board, and passengers retain the right to claim compensation of up to €600 if a flight is delayed by more than three hours. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola described the agreement as a “significant step forward.” The provisional text still requires formal approval by both institutions within the next six weeks before becoming law.

The new rules aim to eliminate the practice of hidden charges that have long frustrated millions of holidaymakers and regular travellers across the EU, increasing transparency and consumer protection in air travel.