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Holidaymakers and expats flying to and from Spain could soon avoid one of the most frustrating extra charges added by budget airlines after EU negotiators backed plans that would give passengers the right to take a small cabin bag on board free of charge.

 

The proposed changes, put forward on June 15, are part of a major overhaul of European air passenger rights, the first significant update since 2004. The agreement still needs final approval from EU institutions but if it goes ahead, passengers would be entitled to travel with both a personal item, such as a handbag or backpack, and a small cabin suitcase weighing up to 7kg without paying extra.

 

The move could have a noticeable impact on travellers who regularly fly with low-cost carriers from airports across Spain, where charges for cabin baggage have become a common source of complaints.

 

According to the details of the agreement, airlines would still be able to offer cheaper fares to passengers who choose not to take the larger cabin bag. However, the standard fare would include both the personal item and the cabin suitcase.

 

The proposed rules would also make ticket prices easier to compare by requiring airlines, booking websites and travel platforms to clearly display what is included in the fare from the start of the booking process.

 

Beyond baggage allowances, passengers would keep their existing rights to compensation when flights are significantly delayed, cancelled at short notice or when boarding is denied.

 

Compensation payments would remain linked to the distance travelled, ranging from €250 for shorter flights to €600 for long-haul journeys.

 

Airlines would not be required to pay compensation when disruptions are caused by circumstances beyond their control, such as extreme weather, natural disasters, armed conflicts or certain airport-related strikes.

 

Travellers facing long delays would continue to be entitled to assistance at the airport. Under the agreement, airlines would have to provide refreshments after two hours, meals after three hours and hotel accommodation for up to three nights when necessary.

 

The plans also aim to make compensation claims less of a headache. Airlines would have to explain the claims process within four days of a disrupted journey ending, and passengers would have up to nine months to submit a claim.

 

Families and passengers who require additional assistance would also gain new protections. Children under the age of 14 would be guaranteed a seat next to an accompanying adult without any extra charge. Similar rights would apply to pregnant women and passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility.

 

Another change likely to be welcomed by travellers is the removal of fees for minor spelling corrections on tickets. Airlines would also no longer be allowed to charge passengers for printing a boarding pass after they have checked in.

 

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said the agreement would strengthen passenger rights and provide greater clarity for both travellers and airlines.

 

The proposed legislation must now be formally approved by both the European Parliament and EU member states before it can take effect, with a parliamentary vote expected during the July session.

 

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