The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union reached a political agreement in June 2026 to reform the air passenger rights regulation, marking the most significant overhaul in more than two decades. The central aim: eliminate hidden baggage charges and require airlines to display comparable prices from the very first step of a booking search.
The final vote in the full Parliament is scheduled for July 2026, and the new rules will enter into force in the second half of 2027, once airlines have had time to adapt their systems.
The big change: cabin bag included in the base price
The most impactful measure requires airlines to show, from the very first search screen, a price that includes a standard cabin trolley of up to 7 kg (maximum total dimensions of 100 cm). Currently, carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Vueling charge this bag as an add-on, making it nearly impossible to compare real prices between operators.
Passengers who don't bring a cabin bag will be able to choose a reduced no-luggage fare, preserving the flexibility of the low-cost model without hiding the true cost.
The personal item: always free
The regulation also guarantees that every passenger may board with a small personal item — a backpack or bag of up to 40×30×15 cm that fits under the seat in front — at no additional cost, regardless of the fare purchased. This protection applies even to the most basic fares.
Stronger rights for delays and cancellations
The agreement also updates compensation for operational disruptions. According to what was agreed:
- After 2 hours of waiting: right to refreshments and drinks.
- After 3 hours of waiting: right to a meal.
- During any wait: internet access and two phone calls.
- If an overnight stay is required: hotel and airport–hotel transfer free of charge, provided by the airline.
End of no-show clauses and family seating fees
Two additional measures protect families and connecting passengers:
- No-show clauses eliminated: airlines will no longer be able to prevent a passenger from using their return flight if they missed the outbound leg. This practice was particularly abusive with cheap round-trip tickets.
- Children under 14 next to parents at no charge: children up to 14 years old will be guaranteed a seat adjacent to a parent or guardian without paying a seat-selection surcharge.
What are the airlines saying?
The industry's response has been mixed. Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost carrier, sharply criticized the measure, warning that airlines will compensate for lost baggage revenue by raising base ticket prices, which would hurt passengers who travel with carry-on only. Carriers like Iberia or Air Europa, which already include a cabin bag in their standard fares, are relatively less affected.
Does this apply to my flights from Panama or Latin America?
The European regulation applies to flights operating within the EU or departing from European airports. This includes:
- Any flight you take from an EU airport (Madrid, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Paris, etc.).
- European legs of a connection — for example, Madrid–Bogotá if the flight departs from Madrid.
It does not directly apply to flights operated entirely outside Europe. However, if your itinerary includes a connecting flight from a European airport, those legs will be covered.
Traveling to Europe in 2027 or later?
If you're planning a trip to Spain or another European destination, these new rules will make it easier and fairer to compare prices between airlines. At CAMF Travel we help you quote and plan your trip to Europe with the best options available. Message us on WhatsApp.