EU Parliament Defends Air Passenger Rights in Close Vote

Air travelers across Europe just scored a major win. The European Parliament voted 632 to 15 to defend passenger rights against a push by airlines to weaken protections that have been in place since 2004.

The victory means passengers can still get compensation for flight delays longer than three hours. EU governments wanted to push that threshold to at least four hours, but lawmakers said no way.

The vote also protects travelers from sneaky fees that have become all too common. Airlines won't be able to charge extra for bringing one personal item and one small carry-on bag on board. Parents traveling with kids under 14 and people helping passengers with reduced mobility can sit together without paying more.

The decision came after nearly a decade of stalled negotiations. EU ministers proposed last year that compensation should only kick in after four to six hour delays, with payments between €300 and €500. Current rules are more generous, offering €250 to €600 depending on flight distance.

Lawmakers didn't stop at preserving existing rights. They're pushing to make the compensation process easier with pre-filled forms and want to end fees some airlines charge for fixing name typos or checking in.

Bulgarian MEP Andrey Novakov, who led the discussions, emphasized the bigger picture. Reducing flight delays benefits Europe's entire economy, he explained, which is why protecting these passenger rights matters so much.

The airline industry pushed back hard. The European Regions Airline Association warned the rules could hurt smaller carriers, especially those serving remote areas and islands. Their director general argued that when compensation costs two to three times the ticket price, some routes become impossible to maintain.

Consumer groups celebrated the parliament's stance. The rare cross-party majority, with all political groups supporting the measure, shows how important these protections are to everyday travelers.

The Ripple Effect

This decision impacts hundreds of millions of journeys each year. When passengers know their rights are protected, they travel with more confidence. When airlines face real consequences for delays, they have stronger incentives to keep flights on time.

The vote also sends a message beyond air travel. It shows that consumer protections can survive industry pressure when lawmakers prioritize people over profits.

EU governments now have four months to respond. If they don't accept the parliament's position, a special committee will work to hammer out a compromise. For now, travelers can breathe easier knowing their representatives went to bat for them.

The fight for fair treatment in the skies just got a whole lot stronger.