EU Air Passenger Reforms Target Hidden Fees and Luggage Rules

The agreement marks the first significant update to air passenger rights since 2004, a move necessitated by the post-pandemic surge in travel that saw 1.1 billion passengers traverse EU skies in 2024. While airline lobby groups pushed for diluted protections and higher thresholds for compensation, the final deal preserves key safeguards that were under threat. Agustín Reyna, director of the consumer rights group BEUC, welcomed the move as a victory against unfair industry practices that have long frustrated travelers across Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Despite the progress, the compensation structure remains largely unchanged. Passengers can still claim between €250 and €600 for significant delays, depending on flight distance, provided the airline cannot attribute the disruption to "extraordinary circumstances." The International Air Transport Association continues to argue that these rules encourage airlines to cancel flights rather than endure longer delays, a practice many travelers find counterproductive. Belgian MEP Kathleen Van Brempt noted that while the reform prevents a regression of rights, it leaves room for further improvement in how carriers manage schedule disruptions.