The reform revamps rules on carry-on baggage, family seating, compensation for delays and cancellations and other issues — all of which are largely agreed — leaving a big fight over how easily passengers can file claims for canceled or delayed flights.
“Our objective is to strengthen passenger rights while ensuring that the rules remain workable, legally sound, and sustainable for the aviation sector,” the Cypriot Council presidency said after an earlier round of talks.
There are a lot of clashing interests. Consumer groups want it to be as easy as possible for passengers to get cash, airlines are wary of measures that would increase payouts, and compensation-claim firms, which help passengers file claims against airlines, worry that reforms could drive them out of business.
Member countries are divided. Some, like France and Germany, favor measures that keep costs low for airlines, while others, like Spain, back pro-consumer elements. The European Parliament broadly supports stronger passenger protections.
Under the current system, many travelers are unaware of their right to compensation, while others struggle to navigate often-complex compensation procedures or challenge opaque airline explanations for refusing claims.
In a bid to make it easier for passengers to get compensation, an earlier plan would have required airlines to send a pre-filled form to them when flights are canceled or delayed by at least three hours. But that was then watered down to airlines sending passengers an email with a link to a form.
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