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EU passenger rights reforms: baggage and seat updates

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-07-29 20:53 UTC → 2026-08-01 10:55 UTC · added removed

EU passenger rights reforms advance, airlines issue guidance reforms: baggage and seat updates

The EU’s two‑step amendment to Regulation 261, approved by the European Parliament on 7 July 2026 and the Council on 13 July, will become binding in the second half of 2027 after a twelve‑month transposition period. Compensation levels (€250/€400/€600) and the three‑hour delay trigger remain unchanged, applying only where the airline is at fault and for cancellations announced less than 14 days before departure. New the new consumer duties require airlines to display the full ticket price—including one standard cabin‑bag—on booking pages, to offer a – full‑ticket‑price display, free‑seat guarantee for children under 14 travelling with a parent, 14, pregnant travellers, seniors, seniors and persons with reduced mobility and their companions, mobility, and to eliminate the “no‑show” penalty, allowing refunds without charge. Airlines must inform passengers removal of their rights the “no‑show” penalty – are already in writing within four days of force. On 29 July the Parliament voted overwhelmingly to extend the free‑baggage entitlement to two cabin items – a disruption personal bag (minimum 40 × 30 × 15 cm) and provide a uniform EU‑wide claim form. Passengers have nine months suitcase up to submit a claim; 7 kg – but the European Council vetoed the amendment after lobbying by low‑cost carriers. Consequently, the amendment will not enter law; airlines must acknowledge receipt within four days continue to show the full ticket price, including any mandatory cabin‑baggage charge, and settle compensation—or give only the small personal item remains guaranteed free. Two days later, on 1 August, the Parliament approved a reasoned refusal—within 30 days. During long delays carriers must offer refreshments, meals, internet, phone calls and, if needed, accommodation and transport, plus revision that obliges airlines to provide free adjacent seats to children under 14 travelling with a drink after two hours parent, as well as to passengers with disabilities and a full refund if delay exceeds five hours. pregnant women. The regulation defines “extraordinary circumstances” for which measure will become legally binding after Council adoption by August 2026, with a one‑year transition period, and will take effect in 2027. Early analysis shows several major carriers already offer such family‑friendly seating, while many low‑cost airlines may be exempt, provided they prove have yet to adopt the cause. An practice. The reforms also retain provisions on timely passenger information, claim handling, assistance during long delays, and an optional EU certification scheme may later allow airlines to demonstrate compliance, and the EU is drafting a uniform definition of reasonable hand‑baggage to prevent inconsistent size, weight and quantity limits. for compliance. BEUC estimates the reforms overall package could recover up to €3.2 billion in unpaid compensation each year. In July 2026 the EU adopted a rule that obliges airlines operating in the EU and EØS to include one piece of hand baggage in the advertised fare, a measure rooted in a 2014 EU court decision aimed at price transparency.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-01 10:55 UTC EU passenger rights reforms: baggage and seat updates
  2. 2026-07-29 20:53 UTC EU passenger rights reforms advance, airlines issue guidance
  3. 2026-07-29 20:53 UTC EU passenger rights reforms roll out, guidance issued
  4. 2026-07-28 10:08 UTC EU passenger rights reforms advance, hand‑baggage rule set
  5. 2026-07-25 20:38 UTC EU adopts revised air passenger rights, hand‑baggage rule

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