Major Victory in the European Parliament for Air Passengers

After years of negotiations, the European Parliament has adopted a regulation that puts an end to many of the abusive practices and hidden fees imposed by numerous airlines. We succeeded in safeguarding passenger compensation and introducing common-sense rules.

• The initially displayed ticket price must automatically include one piece of hand luggage. No more unpleasant surprises at the end of the booking process.

• Families can sit together free of charge: children under the age of 14 will be seated next to their parents without additional seat-selection fees.

• An end to the abusive “no-show” policy: if you miss or do not use your outbound flight, the airline can no longer automatically cancel your return flight.

• Passenger compensation remains protected: if your flight is delayed by more than three hours, your right to compensation of between €250 and €600 remains unchanged. Moreover, airlines are now required to send passengers an email with clear instructions on how to claim compensation.

• Much stricter rules and guaranteed compensation for persons with disabilities or reduced mobility if the airport fails to provide them with assistance on time.

Europe must be about protecting its citizens, and this vote shows exactly that: less stressful travel and greater respect for passengers’ money and time.