EU Finalises New Passenger Rights to Ensure Free Bags and Fast Refunds

New EU flight rules will make travel cheaper for Copenhagen residents. The European Union has formally enacted Regulation (EU) 2026/2202. This new law overhauls air passenger rights across all member states.

The rule guarantees one free personal item on standard flight fares. This under-seat bag can measure up to 40 by 30 by 15 centimetres. Airlines must now display default prices that include hand luggage allowances. Passengers will no longer face hidden carry-on fees during booking.

Travel disruptions will now bring faster financial protections for passengers. Airlines must issue full cash refunds within seven days for cancelled flights. The same seven-day deadline applies to flight delays over five hours.

The regulations also remove extra fees for families and ticketing errors. Airlines cannot charge fees for minor spelling corrections on tickets. Adults travelling with children under 14 get fee-free adjacent seating. According to Forbes, these rules protect travelers across Europe.