EU countries are pushing to a rollback of key air passenger rights, consumer groups warn
About this publication
Today, Member States struck a deal on the Air Passenger Rights Regulation revision after over a decade of political gridlock. BEUC warns that the Polish Presidency of the EU Council’s compromise substantially decreases several key rights.
Member States are speeding up the procedure imposing shorter deadlines for the European Parliament to decide whether they support the deal or not. Any changes to the text will require support by an absolute majority of MEPs, reducing the scope of their action.
Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, commented:
“Although the deal improved some rights on paper, giving consumers improved access to information in case of disruption, care and assistance, it represents a substantial rollback of other key rights. Take compensation for instance. The new eligibility thresholds will deprive the majority of passengers from their compensation rights as most delays are between 2h and 4h. Consumer organisations call on Members of the European Parliament to defend their position and uphold key rights.
“Consumer groups have already pointed out that airlines should stop charging passengers for their hand luggage by lodging a complaint with the consumer protection authorities and the European Commission last May. Such practices are contrary to EU rules and EU top court case law which states that hand luggage are an essential aspect of passengers’ carriage. On the contrary, the text adopted by the Council legitimises charging for reasonably sized hand luggage.
“As the Council of the EU is trying to speed things up, we are struggling to understand what the rush is. The Air Passenger Rights Regulation revision should be the opportunity to show consumers what the EU can do for them rather than taking away consolidated rights. Passenger Rights, should be upheld, clarified and better enforced, not diminished.”
Background:
- BEUC’s position paper
- More on hand luggage: BEUC’s Fly light, pay heavy action – 21 May 2025 and survey from our Dutch member Consumentenbond on consumers expectations regarding hand luggage
- Joint statement calling member states to uphold air passenger rights – 14 May 2025
- Passenger rights under threat: Member States must urgently fix EU proposals – press release – 13 November 2024
