After more than ten years of negotiations, EU countries and the European Parliament have finally reached an agreement on new passenger rights. Travelers are now entitled to free hand luggage and retain their financial compensation for delays of three hours or more.
Source: Euronews, NOS, RTL.nl
The new rules put an end to the extra charges that budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair charge for hand luggage. Both the free personal item, such as a handbag or backpack, and a larger carry-on suitcase will be included in the standard ticket price. Travelers who choose to fly without a suitcase can receive a reduced fare.
Right to compensation
In addition, there will also be stricter requirements for airlines to inform travelers of cancellations or delays. Passengers must be told more quickly and clearly what they are entitled to and how they can apply for compensation.
The right to compensation for delays of three hours or more is also retained. The European Commission wanted to increase the compensation limit from three to five hours of delay, but that proposal was not accepted. The financial compensation now remains between 250 and 600 euros, depending on the flight distance. Airlines are not required to pay compensation if the delay or cancellation is due to an event beyond their control.
“Bureaucratic nonsense”
The airlines themselves react critically. “The new EU rules are bureaucratic nonsense that harms competition,” said a Ryanair spokesperson. EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis also called the plans “idiotic” earlier this year. According to trade association Airlines for Europe (A4E), the rules will inevitably lead to more expensive ticket prices.
Both the European Parliament and the Member States must approve the new rules within six weeks, although this is only a formality. The rules will apply to all flights to and from the EU with a European airline and are expected to come into force from next year.
