New European Union passenger rights regulations regarding baggage and flight delays

Following a decade of negotiations, the European Council and European Parliament have reached an agreement on updated passenger rights. The new regulations standardize baggage policies for low-cost carriers, prohibiting additional fees for essential carry-on luggage. Passengers will now be entitled to a free personal item measuring 40cm by 30cm by 15cm and a cabin bag with a maximum total dimension of 100cm and weight of 7kg. Regarding flight disruptions, travelers are entitled to compensation if a flight is delayed by three hours or more. The agreement maintains compensation levels that have existed for two decades, ranging from 250 to 600 euros. Specifically, airlines must pay 300 euros for flights exceeding 3,500 kilometers, while 600 euros apply if delays exceed four hours or in cases of flight cancellation. These regulations are scheduled to enter into force by 2027, requiring airlines to include these baggage allowances in their base ticket prices.