Carry-on baggage, paper boarding passes and passenger protections, the EU doesn't betray its citizens: here's what's changing

European Union prepares historic review of rules on the air passenger rights, with a reform that will update Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. The European Parliament Transport Committee approved the new negotiating guidelines with 34 votes in favor and 2 abstentions, paving the way for discussions with the Union Council.

The negotiations started on October 15, 2025 under Danish chairmanship and will last for three months, extendable by an additional month.

The main changes under discussion

The proposal aims to Strengthen the economic and practical rights of travelers, keeping the minimum time for refunds unchanged but extending protection in case of disruptions. Here are the key points of the reform:

• Higher minimum repayment - Compensation for flights up to 1,500 km will rise from 250 to 300 euros, while the levels of 400 euro For routes between 1,500 and 3,500 km and 600 euro For flights over 3,500 km.
• 3-hour threshold confirmed - The right to compensation will continue to be triggered after 3 hours late arrival, rejected the proposal to raise the limit.
• Free carry-on luggage for all - Each passenger will be entitled to take on board a standard carry-on (up to 7 kg and 100 cm total between height, width and depth) and a personal item to be placed under the seat. Companies will no longer be able to charge surcharges for the simple cabin trolley.
• Digital or paper boarding pass - Travelers will be free to choose whether to submit their boarding passes electronically or in paper format, at no additional cost.
• No penalties for errors in names - It will be prohibited to apply correction expenses for minor spelling errors in the names entered during booking.
• Elimination of check-in fees - Companies will no longer be able to charge additional costs to check in, regardless of the channel used or the type of ticket purchased.

The next steps

After approval of the guidelines, the text moves to the Negotiation between Parliament, Council and the European Commission, which will last three months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional month. Political discussion will continue until the spring of 2026, while formal adoption of the reform is scheduled for the end of 2026.

The new rules will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union in the first half of 2027 and will become fully applicable in all member states from thesummer 2027.

In summary

With the proposed reform, Brussels aims to Strengthen the protection of passengers. In case of approval, from the 2027 Traveling in Europe will mean being able to rely on Higher refunds, free luggage, no-cost check-in and uniform procedures, with no difference between one company and another.