EU Law to Mandate Free Family Seating, Hand Luggage, and Enhanced Compensation

The European Parliament has provisionally agreed on new laws to strengthen air passenger rights, expected to be voted on in July. These changes will legally oblige airlines to seat families with children under 14 together without extra fees. The rules also apply to pregnant individuals and those with specific physical disabilities.

Key provisions include the right to one item of hand luggage without charge, though airlines can offer lower fares for passengers without hand luggage. Passengers retain compensation rights for flights delayed three hours or more, or cancelled within 14 days. Compensation ranges from €250 for journeys up to 1,500km to over €600 for journeys exceeding 3,500km, potentially halved if re-routing is offered or the delay is under four hours.

Airlines must provide clear email information on compensation rights. Passengers have nine months to claim, and airlines 30 days to pay, except in extreme scenarios like war or severe weather. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated this agreement will enhance transparency and predictability for consumers and airlines.