EU seals new air passenger rights rules after 13‑year overhaul

EU member states and the European Parliament have reached a final agreement to reform air passenger rights (Regulation CE‑261). The deal keeps the three‑hour delay threshold and compensation levels of €250, €400 or €600 depending on flight distance, while adding stronger transparency obligations for airlines. Ticket prices must now display the cost of a hand‑luggage allowance as the default option, and carriers may offer cheaper fares only if passengers waive that allowance. Children under 14 may sit beside an accompanying adult at no extra charge, and families will no longer be split for seat‑selection fees. Airlines are required to inform passengers of their rights and how to claim compensation within 96 hours of a disruption and must acknowledge a claim and respond within 14 days. Assistance during long delays – meals, accommodation and communication – is also codified. The Parliament’s conciliation committee approved the text unanimously, and President Roberta Metsola praised the deal as “greater transparency and predictability for consumers and airlines”. Eurodeputy Andrey Novakov highlighted the elimination of hidden fees and the new provisions for persons with reduced mobility and pregnant travellers. The agreement now awaits a final vote in the European Parliament before becoming EU law.