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The European Parliament’s transport committee has approved sweeping new air passenger rights legislation that mandates free hand luggage and simplifies compensation procedures across the EU. The reform applies to all 27 member states—including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands—and aims to eliminate hidden airline fees and strengthen consumer protections, drawing strong opposition from major carriers.
The proposed regulation guarantees every passenger the right to carry a personal item and a standard cabin bag at no additional cost. It also introduces a standardized refund request form and formal definitions for extraordinary circumstances under which airlines may be exempt from compensating delays or cancellations.
Key Reform Highlights
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Free Hand Luggage | Mandatory inclusion of one personal item and one cabin bag in all fares |
| Unified Claim Form | EU-wide standardized form for compensation and refund claims |
| Definition of Extraordinary Circumstances | Clear criteria (e.g., natural disasters, war, airspace closures) limiting airline liability |
| Simplified Passenger Rights Framework | Greater clarity and consistency across all EU countries |
Matteo Ricci, lead rapporteur and Member of European Parliament (MEP), described the package as a “major step toward restoring transparency and fairness for passengers.” He emphasized that the changes are designed to curb misleading pricing practices and strengthen trust in the airline industry.
Industry Opposition from Airlines for Europe (A4E)
Airlines for Europe (A4E), the continent’s largest aviation lobbying group, has strongly opposed the reforms. The group—representing Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France, Iberia, and others—warns that requiring free hand luggage could force airlines to raise base fares and undermine low-cost carrier models.
Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air currently charge extra for cabin baggage on basic fares. A4E contends that bundling hand luggage into all fares could reduce consumer choice and affect price-sensitive travelers.
Legacy carriers like Lufthansa and Air France, which typically include carry-on in standard tickets, are also pushing back. These airlines argue that uniform rules could erode flexibility in fare structuring and limit differentiation in services offered.
Consumer Groups Applaud Transparency Measures
Passenger rights organizations and consumer advocates welcomed the proposal, saying it would bring long-overdue clarity to airline pricing. Groups have long criticized so-called “drip pricing” models that advertise low fares but charge for essentials such as baggage or seat selection.
The proposed uniform compensation form and clearer definitions for denied claims are expected to significantly reduce ambiguity for passengers and simplify enforcement for regulators.
What’s Next?
The draft legislation still requires full European Parliament approval and must then be negotiated with the European Council (representing EU governments). This process could take several months and may result in amendments or delays.
In the meantime, A4E and individual member states are expected to lobby for changes, particularly those hosting national carriers or relying heavily on budget airline operations.
Strategic and Economic Context
The proposal is part of a broader EU push to modernize transport regulation. It aligns with ongoing EU efforts to improve sustainability, digital transparency, and climate accountability across the aviation sector.
If fully enacted, the law would set a global benchmark for air travel consumer protections—positioning the EU as a leader in airline passenger rights.
Summary
EU lawmakers have taken a major step toward enshrining free hand luggage and stronger passenger protections across the bloc. While passenger advocacy groups hail the move, airline giants are pushing back over concerns it could disrupt existing fare models. The final outcome now rests with Parliament and EU governments as legislative negotiations unfold.
