NEW rules are set to be introduced for airlines and it will save holidaymakers hundreds.
The EU is set to introduce a package of new reforms in the airline industry, for the first time in decades.
The EU is reforming air travel with a huge number of new changes Credit: Alamy
This includes a ban on charging for small handbags and backpacks, also known as underseat luggage.
Another new rule change is axing fees for boarding pass name change costs.
Sign up for the Travel newsletter
Thank you!
Some airlines charge as much as £160 even for one letter to be changed.
Other changes will include passengers being able to use the return leg of their flight, even if they miss the first one.
Read more on travel rules
ON CUE
Two more European countries to SCRAP hated new travel rules as Brits miss flights
AIR OFF
Ryanair boss demands EU axes new travel rules causing misery for Brit holidaymakers
Current rules do not allow this, with the return leg being cancelled if the outbound flight is missed.
When it comes to seat costs kids under the age of 14 will be able to sit next to their parents free of charge, while pregnant passengers and those with limited mobility will have free seat reservations next to travel companions.
And airlines will be required to show all additional fees when booking tickets, rather than at the end.
Compensation rules are also set to be much clearer for passengers.
While the current requirements for compensation remain the same – meaning they must be more than three hours, and for problems within the airlines control- the means to apply for compensation will be made easier.
This means passengers must be given their rights in writing within 96 hours of their flight.
They will then have nine months to file a claim, with airlines having to respond within 30 days.
Name mistakes on boarding passes will be free to change Credit: Alamy
The new rules will currently affect EU airlines Credit: Getty
If passengers are disrupted, they must be offered:
Drinks after two hours
Food after three hours
Meals every five hours
Free hotel accommodation and transport to it if overnight.
The Council of the European Union said: “The current rules, which have been in place since 2004, will stay in effect until the new ones come into force in the second half of 2027,”
Currently, the new rules will affect airlines based in the EU, such as Vueling and Wizz Air.
However, airlines such as easyJet and British Airways will not have to follow the rules on flights operating from the UK to the EU – but may have to for flights operating from EU countries back to the UK.
For example, if a British passenger flies from London to Madrid on a UK airline like British Airways, that outbound leg would remain under UK261 rules rather than the new EU regulations.
But the return would fall under the EU rules because it departs from Madrid in the EU.
So Brits heading on holiday will only get the new benefits if they are travelling on EU-covered flights.
