Members of the European Parliament confirmed changes to air passenger rights on Tuesday, 1 September. Among the updates, new rules will allow passengers to carry one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack, onboard without incurring an extra cost.
Airlines will also be legally required to display air fares that include carry-on luggage during the booking process. This aims to improve transparency and comparability between different airlines and ticket options, though airlines may still offer cheaper tickets for those travelling without hand luggage.
These new regulations apply specifically to EU airlines. Passengers flying with non-EU airlines, such as easyJet and Jet2, may still be subject to previous rules, except on flights returning to the UK from an EU country.
Further new rights are set to enhance passenger safety and protection. These include provisions to simplify compensation claims and access to assistance in cases of delay or cancellation. Additionally, new regulations reinforce rights for individuals with specific needs, including those with disabilities, reduced mobility, and pregnant passengers.
Alexis Vafeades, minister of transport, communications and works of the Republic of Cyprus, stated that the agreement, reached after 13 years of negotiations, will "deliver certainty, fairness and stronger protection for millions of European air passengers."