EU reaches agreement on flight passenger rights, keeping compensation levels
After years of negotiations, the European Union has reached a provisional agreement on reforming airline passenger rights. The deal retains the existing compensation amounts of €250, €400 and €600 for delays of three hours or more, depending on flight distance, and leaves the eligibility thresholds unchanged.
New provisions require airlines to list ticket prices inclusive of standard hand‑luggage, to provide clearer information on compensation claims, and to allow free correction of name errors. Additional consumer‑friendly measures include a ban on fees for family seat placement and improved price‑comparison tools for hand‑luggage. German MEP Jan‑Christoph Oetjen said the changes will make compensation "simpler and more efficient," while German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
The agreement still needs formal adoption by the European Parliament and the member‑state governments, a step expected to occur in the coming days.