EU adopts new airline passenger rights rules, limiting free hand luggage

EU legislators reached a political agreement on a long‑awaited reform of air passenger rights. The pact keeps compensation for flight delays, cancellations and denied boarding at the current €250‑€600 scale, but it does not guarantee a free checked cabin‑bag in the overhead compartment. Passengers will still be allowed one personal item at no cost, while airlines must list the price of any hand‑luggage charge up front and may offer discounted fares for those who travel without a cabin bag.

The new rules also strengthen protections for families and people with reduced mobility: airlines may not charge extra for seats next to children or for transporting baby‑carriages, and will have to provide clearer information on rights and claim procedures. The Spanish government expressed disappointment that the regulation fell short of making hand‑luggage free, while the broader EU community welcomed the increased price transparency and the retained compensation scheme.