EU transport ministers approved proposals allowing airlines to charge passengers for carry-on cabin baggage during a recent meeting, despite opposition from several member states, including Germany and Portugal. The reform aims to update and enhance EU air passenger rights by creating a new category of free hand luggage that can fit under the seat. All other stowed cabin bags would incur charges, reshaping the current baggage policies of airlines. Additionally, the reforms specify that airlines must reroute passengers as soon as feasible, including using alternative carriers or transport modes when necessary. If rerouting is not provided within three hours, passengers are allowed to book their own travel and can claim reimbursements of up to 400% of their original ticket price.
The proposed changes introduce significant compensation measures for delays, providing €300 for short flights delayed over four hours and €500 for long-haul flights delayed for over six hours. Moreover, the reforms require airlines to avoid using the excuse of “extraordinary circumstances” unless they can demonstrate they took all reasonable steps to prevent the disruption. Additionally, airlines are now required to offer food, drinks, and accommodations during delays. If the airlines fail in this duty, passengers are allowed to arrange their own provisions and seek reimbursement.
In an effort to enhance compliance, the new regulations impose stricter information requirements on airlines. They must clearly communicate passengers’ rights when booking tickets and throughout the complaint process. Other timelines introduced suggest passengers have up to six months to submit claims, while airlines must respond within 14 days. Polish Minister of Infrastructure Dariusz Klimczak highlighted that these revised rules respond to urgent demands from both air passengers and airlines for more straightforward guidelines. With over 30 new rights being introduced, Klimczak emphasized the historical significance of this agreement, marking a breakthrough after 12 years of stalled negotiations.
Despite the progress, significant concerns have been raised by consumer advocacy groups. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) expressed strong disapproval of the new proposals regarding cabin baggage, arguing that they substantially undermine existing rights for passengers. BEUC’s director general, Agustín Reyna, pointed out that the reforms, while improving certain aspects of air travel, effectively reduce vital rights for consumers. He highlighted that the new compensation eligibility thresholds may exclude most passengers from receiving due compensation, as many delays fall between the two and four-hour mark.
Reyna further criticized the endorsement of charging for hand luggage, asserting that such practices contradict EU regulations and established case law, which recognize hand luggage as an essential part of air travel. The organization contends that the new text legitimizes charges for reasonably sized hand luggage, a departure from previous consumer rights protections. As a result of the newly adopted proposals, BEUC lodged complaints with consumer protection authorities, advocating against such charges in light of current EU laws.
Looking forward, the European Parliament will now consider its position on these reforms, after which the text will enter negotiations between the Parliament, member states, and the European Commission. The expedited process for these revisions has sparked concern among consumer advocates, who fear that critical deliberations may be rushed, leading to further erosion of passenger rights. Ultimately, stakeholders in the air travel industry are watching closely, as these changes could significantly impact air travel experiences and the rights of passengers across Europe.
