EU Preserves Three‑Hour Flight Compensation Rule in New Passenger Rights Deal

The European Parliament approved a compromise on EU passenger‑rights reform that keeps the existing three‑hour delay threshold and current compensation amounts unchanged. Proposals to raise the threshold to four or five hours were rejected. The agreement also requires airlines to display the price of hand baggage transparently in ticket fares, to inform passengers of their rights in writing within 96 hours of a disruption, and to correct ticket‑name errors free of charge. Additional measures include free seat‑reservation for children traveling with parents and for passengers with reduced mobility, and the right to bring a small musical instrument on board.

The new rules apply to flights operated by EU carriers and to non‑EU airlines whose aircraft take off from EU airports. German MEP Jan‑Christoph Oetjen said, "Das ändert nichts daran, dass Airlines günstige Tickets anbieten können," while German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder welcomed the balance between consumer protection and industry needs.