Brussels defends air passenger rights: compensation confirmed after a three-hour delay and an end to extra fares.

The European Parliament has established its red lines in negotiations to reform air passenger rights. Among the priorities: maintaining compensation after three hours of delay, guaranteeing free baggage, and banning additional fees for check-in or selecting seats for children.

The European Union is preparing to revise the rules governing air passenger rights, and MEPs are standing united in defense of travelers.

Monday, the Transport and Tourism Commission he approved with 34 votes in favor and two abstentions its guidelines for starting negotiations with the Council of the EU. The objective is clear: to strengthen passenger protection in the event of delays, cancellations or denied boarding, keeping intact the rights already acquired and introducing new guarantees.

No step back on existing rights

MEPs from the Transport Committee reiterate that no backtracking on current rules will be accepted: passengers must continue to have the right to refund or re-routing in case of cancellation or denied boarding, as well as financial compensation if the flight is delayed by more than three hours.

The European Parliament rejects the Council's proposal which would like to extend the delay threshold to four or even six hours before the right to compensation is triggered. MEPs believe the three-hour threshold should remain unchanged, regardless of the distance traveled. The latter, however, would continue to determine only the amount of compensation, which ranges from 300 to 600 euro.

The same compensation amounts would also be guaranteed to passengers of cancelled flights or to those who suffer a denied boarding.

Simplified procedures and clear deadlines

To make procedures more transparent, MEPs propose the introduction of a single European module for refund or compensation requests. Airlines would be required to send passengers a pre-filled form — or to provide an automatic digital channel — within 48 hours from flight disturbance.

Travelers would have a year's time to submit the claim, while in case of denied boarding the compensation should be immediate.

A closed list of exceptions

The Parliament proposes to establish a defined and limited list of exceptions in which airlines may be exempt from paying compensation. These extraordinary situations include:

• natural disasters,
• wars or armed conflicts,
• extreme weather conditions,
• unpredictable industrial disputes (but immense strikes by company staff).

This list, in line with the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the EU, will be updated periodically by the European Commission via delegated acts.

Carry-on luggage: a right to be protected

The Parliament's proposal also includes a clear provision on free hand luggage transportEach passenger must be able to bring on board a personal effect — such as a purse, backpack, or laptop, as long as it fits under the front seat — and a small trolley of maximum dimensions of 100 cm total (length + width + height) and weight not exceeding 7 kg, at no additional cost.

No hidden costs: free check-in and free child seats

MEPs also call for an end to extra fees for check-in, both online and at the airport, as well as costs for correct spelling mistakes in names of passengers or to allow the children under 14 years to sit next to their companions.

Furthermore, travellers should have the freedom to choose whether to obtain the boarding pass in paper or digital format.

The speaker's words: "Behind every delay there are real people."

The rapporteur of the European Parliament, Andrey Novakov (EPP, Bulgaria), strongly expressed the Assembly's position:

The European Parliament is ready to fight for European passengers. Behind every delay or cancellation are real people, missed birthdays, funerals, weddings, and job interviews. We will not allow citizens to be left behind. We will resolutely defend the three-hour threshold for compensation, already upheld by the Court of Justice. It is essential to find a balance between passenger protection and the competitiveness of the airline industry, but never at the expense of citizens' rights.

Next steps: negotiations by autumn

The approval of the guidelines now allows MEPs to start the official negotiations with the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU starting from 15 OctoberThe parties will have three months time to reach an agreement, with the possibility of a one-month extension.

If an agreement is reached, Europe will soon be able to count on updated legislation that strengthens passenger rights and puts an end to unfair practices and hidden charges in air travel.

In short (Italian only)Brussels is preparing to firmly defend the rights of air travelers: guaranteed compensation, greater transparency, and a farewell to unjustified costs. A battle being fought not only in the skies, but above all on the ground of European citizens' rights.