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According to the Politico website, the European Union is moving closer to a major reform of passenger rights in air transport. The new rules, which will affect baggage fees, compensation claims, and seating arrangements for children with their parents, are expected to come into effect in the second half of 2027.

On Friday, EU countries approved a compromise agreement that is intended to balance the interests of airlines and passengers after years of complex negotiations. The agreement was negotiated by the Cypriot presidency of the EU Council with the European Parliament, and according to diplomats, it was supported by a large majority of member states. Only Spain and Latvia voted against it, while Austria and Finland abstained.

The compromise still needs to be confirmed by the negotiators of the European Parliament, and then all MEPs will vote on it in July. If it passes, the new rules will come into effect in the second half of 2027.

According to Agustin Reina, CEO of the European Consumer Organization, the agreement enshrines key passenger rights to compensation in the event of cancelled or delayed flights. However, airlines are not happy. Ourania Georgoutsakou, head of the Airlines for Europe association, described the compromise as a bad law that interferes with existing consumer protection rules without addressing the real causes of flight delays and cancellations.

Baggage and seating arrangements for children with their parents

One of the most visible changes will be the rule regarding baggage. Airlines will have to include not only a small bag that fits under the seat in front, but also a cabin suitcase in the basic ticket price. This could initially increase the price of tickets, especially for low-cost carriers, which often charge a separate fee for a carry-on suitcase.

However, passengers will also have the option of taking only a smaller bag and receiving a discount on the ticket price. The new rules still allow airlines to determine the maximum dimensions and weight of the cabin suitcase included in the basic price.

An important change also concerns families. Airlines will not be allowed to charge fees for parents or guardians to sit next to children under the age of 14. The same rule will also apply to passengers with disabilities and their companions.

Compensation for delays and cancelled flights remains

The basic rules for compensation in the event of a flight delay or cancellation will not change significantly. If a flight is cancelled or delayed by at least three hours, passengers will retain the right to compensation of between 250 and 600 euros, depending on the length of the flight. For a cancelled flight, the right to a refund remains.

The new regulation also clarifies the rules for flights longer than 3500 kilometers. For delays between three and four hours, passengers should receive 300 euros. If the delay exceeds four hours or the flight is cancelled, the compensation will be 600 euros.

Easier claims for compensation

A major topic of discussion was how easy it is for passengers to access information about their rights. Consumer organizations wanted people to be informed more clearly about their rights, while airlines were concerned that this would lead to a greater number of compensation claims and higher costs.

The result is a compromise. Airlines will have to send clear instructions to passengers on how to file a claim for compensation. However, they will not be required to include a direct link to the form or a pre-filled form, which was advocated by the European Parliament, but rejected by the member states.

Exceptional circumstances will be clarified

The reform also affects so-called "exceptional circumstances." These are situations in which an airline does not have to pay compensation because the delay or cancellation of the flight was not its fault and it had no control over it.

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According to the new definition, these are events that, by their nature or origin, do not fall within the normal operation of the carrier and are beyond its actual control. A typical example is extreme weather. In such a situation, the airline would have to refund the ticket price to passengers, but no further compensation would be due.

Conversely, the wording regarding "unexpected deficiencies in aircraft equipment" was removed from the proposal. Negotiators from the European Parliament rejected it as too broad, as it could encompass most technical problems for which airlines are currently held responsible under existing case law.

Who will receive the money?

The new rules also address who is eligible to receive compensation. Passengers who request it themselves will receive the money directly. However, specialized agencies that apply for compensation on behalf of passengers will continue to operate.

The previous proposal stipulated that only the passenger themselves could apply for compensation. This would have jeopardized companies that specialize in claiming compensation and, in some cases, conduct legal proceedings on behalf of passengers. Ultimately, the European Parliament succeeded in ensuring that payments could also be made through intermediaries.

The reform therefore brings clearer rules for passengers and, in some respects, stronger protection. At the same time, it shows that the dispute between consumer organizations and airlines is far from over.

gnews.cz - GH