All the changes we'll see in air travel, from compensation and carry-on baggage to overbooking and check-in.
The way we travel by airplane seems to be changing, with new regulations expected to benefit passengers. After at least a decade, an agreement was reached to make changes to the airline regulations regarding carry-on bags, as well as compensation for passengers. However, for these changes to be implemented, approval by the European Parliament is expected. The new regulations are expected to take effect after mid-2027.
What will apply to carry-on bags
Airlines will be required from the outset to state the ticket price together with the carry-on bag. Until now, low cost airlines display the fare only with a personal item and, after adding a carry-on, the price changes significantly. According to the new rules, the price will be final, while the passenger will in some cases be able to remove the carry-on and pay a cheaper fare.
The compensation process
According to the new regulations, passengers will continue to be entitled to compensation if the flight is delayed by more than three hours, if it is canceled less than 14 days before its date, or if they're denied boarding. Compensation for delayed or canceled flights will depend on the flight distance. The amounts are: 250 euros for routes up to 1.500 km., 400 euros for routes between 1.500 km. and 3.500 km. and 600 euros for longer routes. In addition, airlines will be obliged to provide clear instructions to passengers who have a delayed or canceled flight so they can easily submit a claim for compensation within four days of the end of their trip.
Waiting on the aircraft and overbooking
Passengers won't remain inside the aircraft, on the airport apron, for more than two hours. Once that time period has passed, they'll have the right to disembark and return to the airport terminal. In the event of overbooking, airlines won't be able to refuse boarding to pregnant passengers and to people with disabilities.
Rules for children and passengers with disabilities
Airlines will no longer have the right to charge parents extra so that children up to 14 years old can sit next to them. The same will apply to passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility and their companions.
The check-in process
It appears that airlines will no longer be able to require passengers to use exclusively online check-in. Some airlines currently make it impossible to use paper boarding passes, which makes travel harder for older people and those without a smartphone. In addition, passengers won't be charged for correcting spelling mistakes in their names or for printing a boarding pass if they've already checked in, as happens today.
