MEPs from the European Parliament’s Transport Committee have called for airlines to be banned from charging for small hand luggage. This would allow passengers to carry one small piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 7 kilograms, along with a personal item such as a handbag, backpack or laptop, without paying an additional fee.
The Transport Committee of the European Parliament (EP) convened in Brussels and discussed proposals regarding the update of air passenger rights in European Union (EU) countries. The members of the committee approved the amendment proposal, which includes increasing air passenger rights, with 38 “Yes” and 2 “No” votes.
REFUND WITHIN 14 DAYS IN CASE OF CANCELLATION OR LONG DELAYS
Accordingly, in the event of cancellation or long delays, passengers will be refunded within 14 days. If an intermediary company does not meet the deadline for refunds, the airline will make the refund within 7 days.
NO CHARGES WILL BE CHARGED FOR HAND LUGGAGE
A common size for hand luggage will be established within the EU. Air passengers will be entitled to carry one small piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 7 kilograms, along with a personal item such as a handbag, backpack or laptop, without paying an additional fee.
CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 AND PERSONS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY WILL NOT BE CHARGED ADDITIONAL SEAT FEE
Children under the age of 12 will be able to sit next to their companions without a seat selection fee. Thus, those who want to sit next to their children will not be charged an additional seat selection fee. There will also be no additional fee for seat selection for those traveling with people with limited mobility. Damage or loss of equipment such as wheelchairs during the flight will require immediate compensation.
After the draft is voted on in the EP General Assembly, it will be finalized after negotiations with member states.
