After 13 years of negotiations, EU countries have agreed to maintain air passenger compensation for delays starting from three hours. The European Parliament will validate the text on Monday.
Passengers will retain the right to compensation between 250 and 600 euros for delays starting from three hours. The deal also ensures minors and vulnerable persons can sit with their companions at no extra cost.
Airlines must offer from the start a base fare that includes a cabin bag. Passengers may carry one personal item up to 40x30x15 centimeters free of charge.
Spain voted against the text. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs argued that it does not guarantee free hand luggage nor update compensation amounts unchanged for 20 years.
The agreement was reached with support from over 80 percent of member states. Airlines criticized the measure as detached from real operations.
