Brits given 7 new saving hacks when flying after huge EU reforms get green light
A string of new rights for European air passengers have been approved, and it sounds like a game changer.
While there's not much better in life than a holiday, the rigmarole of flying can certainly provide its headaches.
Whether it's being sat far away from your children, realising you've spelt your name wrong on the boarding pass or even the absolute nightmare scenario of missing a flight, things can go wrong, and it can be incredibly stressful and very costly when they do.
However, several new reforms that go a significant distance in reducing those concerns have been formally approved by the Council of the European Union on Monday, July 13.
Advert
The new rules, which come into effect in mid-2027, were already given the green light by the European Parliament and will benefit British passengers despite the United Kingdom not being in the EU, if they're travelling to a country that is.
That's because the regulations will apply to all departures from airports in the EU and arrivals if operated by an EU-based airline.
New flying rules for flying in Europe
There are seven new regulations that could go along way to saving flyers a lot of money, making those city breaks and sun-soaked getaways even more relaxing, as DW reports.
First of, children under the age of 14 will have the right to sit next to their parents without paying for the seats to be together. That'll come as a huge relief to parents and their wallets.
Those who are pregnant or have reduced mobility will also get a similar benefit, as they will be able to sit next to their travel companion without having to pay to ensure they're next to one another as well.
Travellers who miss the outbound leg of a return ticket will now be able to board the return flight without having to pay a penalty, a big saver for the over sleepers and poor time-keepers.
If you're lucky enough to afford a ticket in a higher class but are then unlucky enough to be forced into a lower one, you will now receive an automatic refund.
Elsewhere, airlines must now correct false spellings of names on tickets completely free of charge, as well as provide printed boarding passes to checked-in passengers without any additional fee.
In perhaps the biggest change, airlines, booking platforms and intermediaries will be required to display fares including an over-the-head cabin bag by default for easier price comparison.
The European Council and European Parliament agreed in June that customers should be entitled to a small wheeled suitcase or rucksack as well as the free personal item that is placed in front of the seat.
However, there have been warnings that the new baggage regulations could actually lead to increased fares, as airlines will have to offer tickets with bigger suitcases as standard and then potentially offer discounts for those who travel with just a small bag.
LADbible Group has approached Airlines UK, the Association of UK Airlines, for comment on the new regulations.
Changes to delay compensation made
Elsewhere, there has been a slight addition to the rules on how customers can claim refunds on delayed flights.
Customers are already entitled to some compensation if a flight is delayed by at least three hours and the airline is at fault.
However, new rules state the airline is not responsible for delays due to incidents involving unruly passengers, as well as weather conditions, natural disasters or strikes by airport staff.
In cases of disruption, passengers are entitled to a drink after two hours, a meal after three hours and a meal every five hours afterwards at a maximum of three per day.
There's also a free hotel room to spend the night if needed, as well as travel to and from the accommodation.
Meanwhile, the process of claiming a refund for a delay has been made easier.
Effected passengers must be given information in writing on their rights within 96 hours of arrival and will then have nine months to make a claim.
Once the claim is made, compensation or an explanation for a refusal must be given within 30 calendar days.
Daniel Murphy