New rights for passengers: This is changing for travelers

“Strengthening the rights of passengers”

“This agreement will strengthen the rights of air passengers across Europe. It will create greater transparency and predictability for both consumers and airlines, without creating unnecessary red tape for our industry,” Metsola said.

The agreement reached still needs to be confirmed by the Council of Member States and the plenary session of the European Parliament. However, this is considered a formality.

Better overview as a goal

Anyone who searches for airline tickets online in the future will be shown the price including hand luggage by default. This should make it easier for consumers to compare prices. However, airlines can still offer tickets where you have to pay extra for larger pieces of hand luggage – as some airlines already do.

Among other things, it should also be stipulated that seats next to their parents can be reserved for underage children at no additional cost. Anyone who has checked in digitally is entitled to a free printed ticket.

Flight too late? Maybe there is compensation

The states had previously given up their demand that in future compensation would only be paid in the event of major flight delays. This means that travelers are entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed by at least three hours. Graded according to distance, it is 250 euros (at a distance of 1,500 kilometers), 400 euros (at a distance of up to 3,500 kilometers), 600 euros (at a distance of more than 3,500 kilometers).

The prerequisite is always that the airline is to blame for the delay. She must inform her guests digitally about their rights. According to Parliament, passengers should have nine months to submit an application for compensation in the event of both delays and flight cancellations.

“The European Parliament was able to prevent a deterioration in consumer protection in air traffic – contrary to the plans of most member states,” explained Sophia Kircher, ÖVP transport spokeswoman in the European Parliament and vice-chair of the transport committee after the agreement.