Compensation for Flight Delays in the EU and Free Carry-On Baggage: What Do the New Rules Mean for Air Travelers?

The European Union has retained passengers’ right to compensation for flight delays and free carry-on baggage. The new rules will take effect in 2027 and will have a significant impact on low-cost carriers’ policies. Learn more about the new rules for air travelers in the EU

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The European Union has concluded years of negotiations on updating air travel regulations. The Council of the EU and the European Parliament have agreed on rules that preserve passengers’ right to monetary compensation for flight delays and guarantee free carry-on baggage. Euronews reports on this.

Negotiations between EU institutions lasted more than 10 years. Airlines actively lobbied for a relaxation of financial obligations, warning of a possible increase in ticket prices. Despite this, the current level of passenger protection has been maintained.

We’ll explain exactly what the agreed-upon rules entail and how they will affect the cost of flights in the article below.

Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations: What Amounts Remain in Place?

Passengers will continue to be able to claim compensation for flight delays exceeding three hours—the European Parliament insisted on retaining this provision. Some EU member states opposed it, but the decision was adopted nonetheless.

One high-ranking EU diplomat noted that compensation amounts have remained unchanged for nearly 20 years, which provides predictability for airlines.

Current compensation amounts range from 250 to 600 euros, depending on the circumstances:

• 300 euros — for a flight delay on a route longer than 3,500 kilometers;
• 600 euros — for a delay of more than 4 hours or a complete flight cancellation;
• 250–600 euros — the general range of compensation for a flight cancellation or significant delay.

We previously reported that Ryanair will increase the number of flights to Warsaw.

Free carry-on baggage: what can passengers bring on board without additional fees?

The updated rules will require airlines to include the carriage of two pieces of carry-on baggage in the standard ticket price:

• personal item — a bag or backpack measuring up to 40×30×15 centimeters;
• small wheeled suitcase — with total dimensions not exceeding 100 centimeters and a maximum weight of 7 kilograms.

The new rules will take effect in 2027. This marks the end of the practice by low-cost carriers, particularly Ryanair and EasyJet, which currently charge extra fees even for a small suitcase.

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Will airfare prices rise after these changes?

Experts expect that ticket prices may rise, especially for budget airlines. Low-cost carriers currently derive a significant portion of their profits from surcharges for stowing bags in the overhead bins. Once the new rules take effect, this revenue stream will disappear, and companies will likely factor these costs into the base ticket price.

At the same time, consumer protection organizations have long insisted that the practice of charging separately for carry-on luggage is illegal and that passengers have a guaranteed right to compensation for delayed flights.

An agreement was reached on Friday during negotiations between EU ambassadors and the Cypriot presidency of the Council of the EU. The European Parliament is expected to officially confirm the agreement and issue a joint letter of support as early as Monday.

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