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EU Keeps Three-Hour Delay Rule, €250-€600 Compensation

6/14/2026

Summary

States Keep Rule

On June 12, states agreed to keep the three-hour flight-delay rule.
The rule maintains compensation at €250-€600 for delays over three hours.
Airlines must list cabin-baggage fees in ticket prices, may discount fares for passengers without a carry-on, and allow free personal item under the seat.
The proposal now proceeds to the European Parliament for claim-response deadlines, allowing children and vulnerable travelers to sit with an adult without extra seat fees.

Summary

EU Bans Fees

The reform bans airlines from charging extra for seats next to children under 14 and eliminates fees for correcting spelling errors in bookings.
German lawmaker Jan-Christoph Oetjen said the agreement defended passenger rights.
Airlines warned higher compensation could push them to cancel severely delayed flights.
After a failed 2025 attempt by the bloc’s 27 states to lower payouts, cross-party opposition secured a June 12 compromise that received provisional approval on June 15.

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States Keep Rule

On June 12, states agreed to keep the three-hour flight-delay rule.
The rule maintains compensation at €250-€600 for delays over three hours.
Airlines must list cabin-baggage fees in ticket prices, may discount fares for passengers without a carry-on, and allow free personal item under the seat.
The proposal now proceeds to the European Parliament for claim-response deadlines, allowing children and vulnerable travelers to sit with an adult without extra seat fees.

1 / 2