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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Germany, Portugal, Slovenia And Spain Raise Concerns But EU Backs New Rules Allowing Carry-On Charges And Stronger Passenger Protections Saturday, June 7, 2025The European Union has officially backed sweeping new air passenger reforms that allow airlines to charge for standard carry-on luggage, despite vocal opposition from Germany, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain, who argued the changes would burden travelers. The approved rules aim to strike a balance between airline flexibility and consumer rights by also mandating faster rerouting and significantly higher compensation for delays or disruptions—setting the stage for one of the most dramatic shifts in European air travel policy in years.European Union governments have taken a major step toward rewriting air passenger rights across the bloc, endorsing a controversial proposal that includes allowing airlines to charge travelers for standard carry-on baggage. The move, adopted on Thursday as part of a broader update to aviation consumer protection rules, has sparked backlash in several corners of the EU but nevertheless cleared a key political hurdle.The reform package marks the first significant update to EU air travel regulations in over a decade and is intended to modernize protections in an era of growing airline competition and shifting travel habits. Among the most debated provisions is a proposal to redefine what constitutes “free” cabin luggage.Under the new framework, passengers would still be entitled to bring one personal item on board at no cost—as long as it fits under the seat in front of them. However, larger bags that typically go in overhead bins could now be subject to additional charges, depending on the airline. This change would formalize the increasingly common practice of budget airlines charging for carry-on luggage, a trend that consumer advocates have long criticized as opaque and unfair.Despite objections from several member states, the proposal received enough support from EU transport ministers to move forward. Supporters argue that the new system provides clarity by explicitly identifying which items are free and which are not, thus creating more predictable policies across the EU. Critics warn, however, that the measure could lead to inconsistent experiences for passengers and allow airlines to exploit loopholes.Beyond the carry-on baggage issue, the reform introduces several sweeping protections aimed at bolstering passenger rights when flights are delayed or canceled. A central requirement would obligate airlines to reroute stranded passengers as soon as possible, including on flights operated by rival carriers or, where necessary, through alternative transport such as trains or buses.If the airline fails to offer rerouting options within three hours of the delay or cancellation, travelers will be allowed to book their own transportation and request reimbursement. The new rules would entitle them to recover up to four times the original cost of their ticket in such situations.Another critical aspect of the update concerns compensation for flight delays. For intra-European or short-haul routes under 3,500 kilometers, passengers will be entitled to €300 if their flight is delayed by more than four hours. For long-haul flights that stretch beyond 3,500 kilometers, the threshold rises to €500 for delays of more than six hours.The proposal also tightens the definition of “extraordinary circumstances,” a commonly used legal defense that airlines invoke to avoid paying compensation during disruptions. Under the new rules, airlines would only be exempt if they can prove they took all reasonable steps to prevent or minimize the disruption. This clause seeks to close a loophole that has led to widespread complaints and inconsistent compensation outcomes for travelers in the past.In terms of on-the-ground responsibilities, airlines will now have a clearer duty to provide basic care to delayed passengers. This includes meals, refreshments, hotel accommodations when necessary, and transport between the airport and lodging. If airlines fail to offer these services, travelers will have the right to make their own arrangements and claim reimbursement afterward.To ensure passengers are better informed of their rights, the updated legislation will require airlines to clearly communicate compensation entitlements at two key moments—when the booking is made and again during the complaint resolution process. This dual-notification requirement is intended to empower travelers and reduce the current confusion many face when seeking redress.The reform also introduces specific timelines for submitting and processing complaints. Passengers will have up to six months from the date of their disrupted journey to file a claim, and airlines must respond to those claims within 14 days. These timelines aim to streamline the often slow and opaque process of handling passenger complaints.While the reform has now passed through the Council of the EU, it must still clear several legislative hurdles before it becomes law. The next step involves the European Parliament reviewing and adopting its own position. If Parliament agrees on its version, negotiations will begin between the Council, Parliament, and the European Commission to reconcile the two texts into one final regulation.The decision to push these reforms through a fast-track legislative route has raised concerns among some observers. This accelerated process shortens debate and allows the new rules to be approved by a simple majority in Parliament, bypassing the longer consensus-building procedures typically used for sensitive consumer legislation.Despite the concerns, the updated rules represent one of the most ambitious overhauls of passenger rights in Europe’s aviation sector. They reflect a growing acknowledgment that travelers need stronger guarantees in the face of increasing disruptions, more complex pricing models, and aggressive cost-cutting by many airlines.If fully adopted, the reform will establish new minimum standards for all EU-based carriers and flights operating to or from EU territory, effectively raising the bar for how airlines handle disruptions and communicate with customers. It will also likely influence airline practices beyond Europe, as many international carriers align their policies to meet EU standards.Despite objections from Germany, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain, the EU approved new air travel rules that allow carry-on baggage fees while enhancing passenger rights with faster rerouting and higher compensation.For travelers, the next few months will be critical as lawmakers debate the final form of the legislation. Whether the controversial baggage fee provisions survive intact or are softened remains to be seen, but the direction is clear: air passenger rights in Europe are set for a major transformation.
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