Airline passengers in the European Union will keep the right to free hand luggage and compensation for delayed flights under a deal struck after more than 10 years of negotiations between EU institutions, Euronews reported on June 15.

The reform sets a single standard across the bloc at a time when several low-cost carriers charge separately for cabin bags, and confirms compensation rights that airlines had sought to dilute.

EU ambassadors and the Council of the European Union reached the agreement on June 12, with the European Parliament expected to advance the legislation in the coming days and the rules due to take effect in 2027.

Under the agreement, airlines must allow passengers to carry a personal item on board free of charge, along with a small bag and a small rolling suitcase, subject to size and weight limits set under the new rules.

The deal confirms existing entitlements for delayed and cancelled flights. Passengers will remain entitled to compensation of between €250 and €600 if a flight is delayed by more than three hours or cancelled, depending on distance and the length of the delay, Emerging Travel Arabia.

Airlines have warned that stricter compensation and baggage rules could push up ticket prices, particularly among low-cost carriers that currently levy extra charges for cabin bags.

Consumer rights groups have argued that such charges are unfair to passengers and should be restricted under EU law.