Overview
- Negotiators from the European Parliament and member states reached a political agreement in mid‑June, with key details reported on Monday, June 15, after 13 years of talks; the text still needs legal and linguistic revision and formal adoption by Parliament and the Council.
- The agreement preserves existing compensation for arrivals delayed more than three hours, keeping payments at €250 to €600 depending on distance and resisting industry proposals to raise the threshold or cut amounts.
- Airlines must by default display fares that include a cabin bag to improve price clarity, but the deal does not automatically make cabin bags free and it does not yet fix precise size or weight limits.
- Carriers face tighter operational and assistance rules, including re‑routing within three hours for cancellations or denied boarding, regular refreshments, a meal after three hours of immobilisation, two communications and hotel plus transport when an overnight stay is needed.
- The package sets deadlines for claims handling and passenger notification — electronic notice within 96 hours when a delay may trigger compensation and payment or a reasoned reply within 30 days — and has drawn praise from consumer groups and strong criticism from airline trade bodies over cost and competitiveness concerns.