The European Parliament has approved a legislative proposal introducing fundamental changes to air travel rules after approximately 10 years of discussions. The decisions, aimed at updating the EU's long-standing EU261 Passenger Rights Regulation, include significant changes, particularly regarding compensation for delays, hand luggage, and passenger information processes.
The regulation, overwhelmingly approved by the European Parliament, will be negotiated with EU member states and transformed into a legal text. It will come into force once the legal text is prepared.
Compensation of 300-500 Euros for Three-Hour Delays
The most striking change in the regulation is the provision for compensation rights in case of flight delays. For flights delayed by 3 hours or canceled, passengers will be entitled to compensation ranging from 300-500 euros (15,000 TL - 25,000 TL), depending on the distance.
Some member states had requested extending the current 3-hour compensation period to 4 or 6 hours. European airlines had heavily lobbied the Parliament, arguing that this rule would increase flight costs, but the European Parliament emphasized that the 3-hour limit was not negotiable. Compensation amounts, which previously started from 250 euros, will now start from 300 euros. Airlines will be exempt from paying compensation in cases of natural disasters, war, adverse weather conditions, and labor disputes (excluding strikes).
To simplify the compensation process, it is planned to allow compensation claims to be made online, and the application process will be streamlined. Passengers will have the right to apply for compensation for one year. Passengers denied boarding due to "overbooking" or other reasons will receive immediate compensation.
1 Personal Item + 7 kg Hand Luggage Free
With the proposal approved by the European Parliament, a new era is beginning for cabin baggage. Passengers will be able to carry one small personal item bag and one piece of hand luggage free of charge. Accordingly, a bag measuring 40x30x15 cm and a small hand luggage item with a total dimension not exceeding 100 cm and weighing less than 7 kg will be free.
Many airlines had started charging for cabin baggage. The implementation of free cabin baggage up to 7 kg is expected to affect numerous airlines. It remains to be seen whether this decision will lead to an increase in ticket prices.
Parents Gain Right to Select Adjacent Seats with Children
With the new regulation, parents traveling with children under 14 years old will be able to select adjacent seats with their child free of charge. They will not be required to pay an extra fee for sitting together during check-in. This rule will apply to both digital and airport check-ins.
Physical Boarding Pass Will Be Free
Recently, some low-cost airlines began mandating digital boarding passes for passengers. While digital boarding passes sent via mobile apps and email are free, fees of up to 20-50 euros can be charged for physical boarding passes. The European Parliament argues that these practices disadvantage passengers with low digital literacy, the elderly, and those without smartphone access. In the new era, companies will be required to offer passengers a choice between digital or printed boarding passes. No additional fee will be charged to passengers requesting a printed boarding pass.
The practice of paid check-in is being abolished. All check-in procedures will be free. Furthermore, passengers will not be charged an extra fee to correct incorrect name or surname information.
To Be Discussed in the EU Council
These regulations, approved by the European Parliament, will take their final form after negotiations with the EU Council. If the rules are finalized, they are expected to come into force gradually within this year.
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