It took thirteen years, a conciliation committee and three readings in the European Chamber to update the rules to protect European travellers. On 7 July the European Parliament approved the text agreed with the Council at third reading, with 646 votes in favour, 12 against and 3 abstentions, with the governments giving the final green light on 13 July. The Commission’s proposal dates back to March 2013 and had remained blocked for years. The new Regulation (EU) 2026/2202which modifies 261/2004, was published in the Official Journal on 2 October and will apply from 23 October 2027.
The compensation threshold remains at three hours
The compensation will still be due after a three-hour delay in arrival, or if the flight is canceled less than 14 days before departure. They will be entitled to 250 euros for routes up to 1,500 kilometres, 400 for flights within the EU or between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, and 600 for all others. Governments would have liked to move the bar to four or six hours, Parliament held the point.
The procedure will change: within 96 hours of arrival the company will have to inform the passenger of his rights and explain how to submit the request, then he will have 30 days to pay or justify the refusal. Anyone who prefers a ticket refund to an alternative flight will receive it automatically, while as regards compensation for the delay, however, the request will still need to be made.
The cabin trolley is included in the basic rate
When booking, the first fare shown must include one piece of hand luggage, as well as a backpack or bag to place under the seat. However, companies will be able to offer a lower price to those who give up their suitcase.
The passenger will be able to carry a trolley measuring 40x30x15 cm for free. And if, for security reasons, the baggage needs to be transferred to the hold, no extra costs will apply.
. In short, the ticket without a trolley does not disappear, it only changes place on the page. The protections apply to flights within the EU with any carrier, for those departing from a European airport and for those arriving from a third country with a European company.
Dissatisfied companies, cautious consumers
Airlines for Europe, the main carrier association, claims that the regulation already costs 8 billion a year and that it does not address the real causes of delays, starting with air traffic control. The BEUC, which brings together European consumer associations, welcomed the agreement, although recalling an unflattering fact: today just 38% of those who would be entitled to it ask for compensation. The proof will arrive in the autumn of 2027, when the “included” trolley will appear on the low cost websites. Will it be a saving, or just another way of making us pay for it?
