October 14, 2025, 7:06 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Parliament Resists Planned Cutbacks

The reform proposal adopted by the EU Council in the summer has drawn sharp criticism from consumer advocates and members of the European Parliament: According to the Council’s plan, airlines would only be required to pay compensation for delays of four hours on short and medium-haul flights–and even six hours on long-haul flights. The maximum compensation would be 300 euros for short flights and 500 euros for long flights.

The Parliament rejects these plans and instead calls for strengthening passenger rights. The current three-hour threshold for compensation claims should be maintained. Additionally, higher flat-rate payments are proposed: 300 euros for short-haul, 400 euros for medium-haul, and 600 euros for long-haul flights. An automatic adjustment of these amounts for inflation every three years is also planned.

Clear Stance on “Extraordinary Circumstances”

On the issue of “extraordinary circumstances,” positions also differ widely. While the Council wants to expand the list of such events–including technical defects or staff shortages–the Parliament advocates for a narrowly defined definition. Only external factors such as severe weather or political unrest should be considered extraordinary and exempt airlines from the obligation to pay.

Concrete Improvements for Travelers

In addition to compensation regulations, the Parliament also wants to improve service and passenger rights. Proposed measures include:

• Rebooking in Case of Delay: After a three-hour delay, passengers should be able to rebook on another flight at the airline’s expense without a price cap.
• Free Hand Luggage: A small bag with a maximum combined length of 100 centimeters and up to seven kilograms in weight should always be allowed on board for free.
• Name Correction: Misspelled names can be corrected for free up to 48 hours before departure.
• Emergency Rebooking: In the event of illness or a family death, the booking should be transferable to another person for free.
• Protection in Case of Airline Bankruptcy: Airlines should be required to provide refund and return flight guarantees–similar to package tours.
• Service at the Airport: Airlines must provide accessible contacts and cover up to five nights of accommodation in emergencies.
• Seat Allocation: Families, children, and people with disabilities should be allowed to sit together as a rule.

Unresolved for Over a Decade

As early as 2013, the EU Commission presented a proposal to reform passenger rights–since then, the process has stalled. Now, starting in mid-October, the first direct negotiations between the Council, Parliament, and Commission in Brussels are expected to finally make progress.

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Consumer Advocates Warn Against Dilution

Oskar de Felice, Chief Legal Officer of the consumer portal Flightright, praises the Parliament’s stance: “After the headlines about the (veggie) sausage, the EU Parliament is now showing how proper consumer protection works: Fair rights for consumers, so that at least vacations remain relaxed in turbulent times.” He continues: “Now, in the upcoming negotiations, it’s important not to give in and to stand against the erosion of EU passenger rights.”

Decision by Year’s End–or Later?

If Parliament and the Council do not reach an agreement by the end of 2025, a conciliation committee would have to be involved. An extension of the negotiations until the end of January 2026 would be possible upon request. What is clear: The outcome of the trilogue will significantly determine how many rights air travelers in Europe will have in the future.