The European Parliament has approved a position to revise EU regulations regarding passenger rights for airlines, including changes to carry-on baggage policies.
On January 21, the European Parliament adopted a position on changing EU regulations concerning passenger rights for airlines. Notably, MEPs supported the retention of current travel rights, including compensation rules for delays. They proposed the use of pre-filled compensation and refund application forms, along with a refreshing of the list of extraordinary circumstances that might exempt carriers from paying damages. These adjustments aim to enhance traveler protection and streamline the compensation process during flight disruptions.
In addition to maintaining passenger rights, MEPs have proposed new regulations to clarify issues regarding carry-on baggage and additional fees, as travelers have raised numerous complaints regarding ambiguous rules and hidden costs employed by budget airlines. The proposed measures are a direct response to public dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency in how airlines manage baggage rules and extras that increase the total cost of flying.
One of the crucial proposed changes by the European Parliament is the introduction of a right for passengers to carry free hand luggage, which seeks to standardize baggage policies across all airlines while avoiding additional fees for basic travel needs. This move is set against the backdrop of increased scrutiny over the operational practices of low-cost carriers in Europe, focusing on ensuring fair treatment of travelers and preventing excessive airline charges.
