EU overhauls flight rules: What travelers gain and lose

New European Union regulations aim to standardize carry-on baggage policies across low-cost airlines, ensuring that advertised prices must include a standard carry-on bag and a personal item. This change, detailed in a Deutsche Welle summary, requires booking sites and airlines to display the all-inclusive price from the outset. The goal is to enable consumers to compare offers more easily and put an end to hidden fees.

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The prices that appear during the booking process must necessarily include a standard-sized carry-on bag (e.g., a rolling suitcase) and a personal item (backpack, handbag).

Despite the EU bodies presenting the agreement as a success, consumer protection organizations and legal experts highlight significant weaknesses and setbacks in the reform. A major disappointment is that the fixed compensation amounts for flight delays have not been updated since 2004. For flights under 1,500 km, compensation remains at 250 euros; between 1,500 and 3,500 km, it's 400 euros; and for over 3,500 km, it's 600 euros. Considering two decades of inflation, these amounts are worth considerably less in real terms than when the law was enacted. The consumer-focused BEUC analysis suggests it was a missed opportunity not to adjust these figures to current economic realities.

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The biggest disappointment is that the fixed amounts for compensation have not changed since 2004.

While the three-hour delay threshold for compensation was defended against airline lobbying, companies have secured another escape route. The definition of "extraordinary circumstances" has been clarified and, in some aspects, expanded. Under the new rules, an airline is exempt from payment if the delay is caused by disruptive passengers, natural disasters, adverse weather, or strikes by ground staff or air traffic controllers. Given the frequent disruptions in ground handling, airlines can more easily shift responsibility.

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The definition of 'extraordinary circumstances' has been clarified and, in some respects, expanded.

However, there are positive administrative changes. Airlines must now notify passengers electronically of their rights and compensation options within 96 hours of a flight cancellation or delay. Passengers have exactly nine months from the flight date to submit a compensation claim. Once received, the airline must pay within 30 calendar days or provide a legally detailed justification for refusal. Additionally, the "no-show" rule is abolished: if a passenger misses the outbound flight on a return ticket, the airline cannot automatically cancel the return leg or impose an extra penalty.

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Passengers will have exactly 9 months to submit their compensation claim from the date of the flight.