Carry-on luggage and flight delays: how European regulations for airlines are changing

The European Union has broken the deadlock on one of the reforms most eagerly awaited by the aviation sector and travelers after more than a decade of negotiations. Transport ministers from the member states have reached a political agreement to update EU regulations on passenger rights, finally preserving compensation for delays of three hours or more and introducing new criteria for carry-on luggage.

 

The reform, which must still complete the legislative process before taking effect, puts an end tomonths of debate among governments, airlines, and consumer associations on key issues such as compensation for operational disruptions, claims, and services included in the ticket price.

One of the most sensitive issues for business travelers has been compensation for delays. During the negotiations, raising the minimum threshold for receiving financial compensation was proposed, a measure that would have significantly reduced the number of passengers eligible to claim. However, the agreement maintains the current system, so travelers will still be able to request compensation when their flight arrives at its destination three or more hours late.

The compensation amounts also remain unchanged and will continue to range between 250 and 600 euros, depending on the distance of the journey. For the corporate sector, which is particularly dependent on punctuality and flight connections, the decision prevents a reduction in rights that could have directly impacted professional mobility.

The issue of carry-on luggage was another of the most controversial points in the negotiations. The new regulations recognize passengers? right to carry one personal item free of charge that can be placed under the seat in front of them, such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop sleeve. However, it does not explicitly provide for the free carriage of trolley-style cabin luggage, a demand advocated by several countries and consumer organizations.

The agreed text requires airlines to offer a default fare that includes carry-on luggage, although it allows for reduced fares for passengers who choose to travel without it. This approach has generated disagreements among Member States and explains the opposition of countries such as Spain, which believes the measure does not provide sufficient protection against the surcharges imposed by some airlines.

Beyond baggage and compensation, the reform incorporates new guarantees for passengers. These include a ban on charging surcharges for minors or dependents traveling with their companions, as well as the simplification of complaint procedures and the establishment of clearer deadlines for handling incidents.

Likewise, airlines must be more flexible in correcting minor errors on tickets and provide greater transparency regarding conditions of carriage and passenger rights.