EU finalises overhaul of airline passenger rights

After years of negotiations, the European Parliament and EU member states have reached a political agreement on new flight‑passenger rights. The existing compensation scheme for delays of three hours or more is preserved, with payouts of €250, €400 or €600 depending on distance. New measures require airlines to display ticket prices inclusive of hand‑baggage fees, to correct name‑spell‑errors on tickets free of charge, and to inform passengers in writing of their rights within 96 hours of a disruption. Children and persons with reduced mobility may sit next to each other without additional seat‑reservation charges, and musicians are allowed to bring instruments on board. Proposals for a compulsory free small cabin bag were rejected, but the overall package enhances price transparency and consumer protection across the EU aviation market.