EU Approves Major Aviation Reform to Ease Passenger Fees and Improve Rights by 2027

The European Union has approved a comprehensive reform of aviation regulations set to take effect in the second half of 2027, aiming to simplify air travel and reduce costs for passengers. The new rules will apply to EU-based airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Vueling, and introduce several key changes to current practices.

One significant change is the prohibition of fees for carry-on bags measuring up to 40x30x15 cm and weighing up to 7 kg, in addition to a small personal item like a handbag or backpack. Another important update is that correcting a name error on a boarding pass will become free of charge, replacing current fees that can reach up to approximately 750 shekels for minor corrections. Passengers who miss their outbound flight will still be allowed to board their return flight, addressing the common "no show" issue where return flights are automatically canceled.

The reform also mandates that children under 14 must be seated next to their parents without extra charge, and pregnant women and passengers with mobility impairments will receive free seat reservations next to their companions. Ryanair has already announced it will allow families to sit together for free in designated rear sections of the aircraft.

Transparency will improve as airlines must display all additional fees and charges upfront during booking, not just at the final stage. Compensation procedures for delayed or canceled flights will be clearer, with passengers receiving written details of their rights within 96 hours of the flight. They will have nine months to file claims, and airlines must respond within 30 days. Passengers will be entitled to refreshments after two hours of delay, meals after three hours, full meals every five hours, and free hotel accommodation and transport if an overnight stay is necessary.

The current rules, in place since 2004, will remain until the new regulations come into force. European Parliament member Andrey Novakov hailed the reform as a victory for both passengers and the aviation sector, ending over 13 years of regulatory stagnation. The new rules will not apply to flights departing from airports outside the EU, such as London to Madrid, but return flights from the EU to non-EU airports will be covered.