The EU approved new air passenger rights. Many of which you've long awaited

The European Parliament has approved new regulations for air passenger rights, which will replace the 2004 rules. Next, the innovations will be officially approved by the Council of the EU.

Main changes for passengers

Hand luggage. The right to bring one piece of hand luggage (including a wheeled suitcase) on board for free is being introduced. However, a single standard for their dimensions could not be agreed upon.

Airlines are obliged to display the ticket price including hand luggage immediately upon booking. This may lead to increased ticket prices, but cheaper fares will remain for those traveling without any luggage.

Passengers retain the right, in case of a flight delay of more than three hours or its last-minute cancellation, to receive a refund or continue their journey via an alternative route, as well as to receive compensation.

Compensation for delays and cancellations (from 3 hours):

€250 — for flights up to 1500 km;

€400 — from 1500 to 3500 km;

€600 — over 3500 km (may be reduced by 50% if an alternative flight is offered or the delay is less than 4 hours).

Processing times: companies must inform within 4 days how to apply for compensation. The passenger has 9 months to submit a claim, and the airline has 30 days to pay or refuse.

Compensation is not paid for natural disasters, bad weather, wars, airport staff strikes, or passenger aggression. Technical malfunctions of the aircraft are no longer an excuse for airlines.

For delays of 2 hours or more, drinks must be provided; from 3 hours — meals; for prolonged delays — a hotel must be provided (up to 3 nights).

Free services. Printing of a boarding pass at the airport (if the passenger is already checked in).

Using a self-printed ticket.

Correction of errors in name spelling on the ticket.

Co-seating in the cabin for families with children under 14, pregnant individuals, and people with disabilities (a seat next to an accompanying person is provided free of charge).

Other rights. It is forbidden to cancel a return ticket or subsequent segments of a flight if the passenger did not show up for the first leg of the journey.

It is no longer mandatory to have a mobile app or an airline account.

The rules apply to all flights within the EU, flights of European companies to/from third countries, as well as flights of foreign airlines departing from EU airports.

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