EU Approves Cabin Bag Fees and 4-Hour Delay Compensation Wait

Sonali Tiwari

EU airlines can now legally charge you for that carry-on suitcase you've been bringing for free.

Photo Source: Arunkumar M

Only a small personal item that fits under your seat remains free - everything else could cost extra.

Photo Source: pixabay.com (PDM 1.0)

Flight delayed? You'll now wait FOUR hours instead of three before getting compensation on short flights.

Photo Source: StockCake.com (CC0 1.0)

Long-haul flights require a SIX hour delay before compensation kicks in - double what some travelers expect.

Photo Source: Uri Tours (CC BY-SA 2.0)

The silver lining? Short-haul compensation increases from €250 to €300 when you do qualify.

Photo Source: Matt_Moloney (CC0 1.0)

But long-haul travelers will receive LESS - compensation drops from €600 to €500 despite longer waiting times.

Photo Source: SkitterPhoto (CC0 1.0)

Stranded by your airline? The new rules let you book your own alternative travel and claim up to 400% of your ticket price.

Photo Source: Vladimir Srajber

Four EU countries fought against the cabin baggage charges - Germany, Spain, Portugal and Slovenia - but lost the battle

Photo Source: European Parliament (CC BY 2.0)

European Parliament

Consumer groups warn these changes are a "substantial rollback of key rights" that will leave most delayed passengers without compensation.

Photo Source: :Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

These rules still need European Parliament approval before becoming law - final decisions expected later in 2025

Photo Source: Wikinews (CC BY 3.0)