The European Union has decided to preserve its current airline passenger compensation system following years of discussions over potential reforms.
Members of the European Parliament agreed to support a proposal from EU member states to maintain the existing three-hour delay threshold required for compensation claims.
Under the rules that have been in force since 2004, passengers arriving at their destination more than three hours late will continue to be eligible for compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance.
The European Commission had previously proposed raising the compensation threshold to four hours, while some member states advocated capping compensation payments at €500. However, negotiators ultimately agreed to keep the current system unchanged.
EU institutions also reached an agreement requiring airlines to continue allowing passengers to carry small personal items free of charge. Airlines will still be permitted to charge for larger cabin bags, but any such fees must be clearly displayed during the booking process.
The updated framework also preserves the right of adults traveling with children to sit together without additional charges and maintains existing protections and assistance for passengers who miss connecting flights. In addition, airlines will not be allowed to force passengers to use mobile applications as the sole method of obtaining boarding passes.
