EU Negotiators Keep 3-Hour Flight Delay Payout Rule, Preserving €250 and €400 Compensation
Updated
Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 7
EU Negotiators Keep 3-Hour Flight Delay Payout Rule, Preserving €250 and €400 Compensation
2 articles · Updated · POLITICO Europe · Jun 7
Summary
A compromise package on EU air passenger rights would leave the most disputed compensation rules largely unchanged, keeping payouts tied to the current three-hour delay threshold.
The proposal preserves €250 compensation for flights up to 1,500 kilometers and €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers after marathon talks with the European Parliament failed to produce a deal on Tuesday.
Cyprus, which holds the Council presidency, said member-state ambassadors will meet Friday at 6 p.m. in Brussels to review the latest package covering all remaining issues in the reform.
The broader EC261 overhaul still includes stronger passenger protections, including requiring airlines to notify travelers of compensation eligibility within 48 hours and explain disruption reasons.
With new EU rules set to double airline compensation costs, will your summer flight ticket price soon skyrocket?
As passenger rights get stronger, are Europe's smaller communities about to be cut off from the skies?
Airlines must soon tell you if you're owed cash for delays. But will they find new ways to avoid paying?
EU 2026 Air Passenger Rights: Mandatory Carry-On Bag Pricing and Stricter Compensation Rules
Overview
In June 2026, the European Union reached a major compromise on air travel regulations to improve transparency and fairness for passengers. Airlines must now show ticket prices that include standard carry-on bags, moving away from the old practice of only displaying costs for small personal items. This change helps travelers see the true cost of their flight upfront and avoids hidden baggage fees. At the same time, passengers keep the flexibility to choose a cheaper ticket if they travel without a trolley-style cabin bag, making air travel both clearer and more adaptable to individual needs.