A significant breakthrough for millions of air travellers in Europe: the Transport Committee of the European Parliament has today adopted, by a large majority, a series of proposals aimed at strengthening passenger rights throughout the European Union. Among the most anticipated and debated novelties is the introduction of the right to carry a small cabin bag on board free of charge, putting an end to the practice of additional fees often imposed by airlines.

The approved measures go well beyond the issue of baggage, aiming for more comprehensive and transparent protection for all passengers who choose air travel. Airlines will now be required to provide a pre-filled reimbursement form within 48 hours in case of travel disruptions, significantly simplifying procedures for passengers. Particular attention has also been devoted to the protection of vulnerable travellers, such as people with disabilities or reduced mobility, ensuring them greater assistance and specific support during flights.

Although the primary focus is on air transport, a text dedicated to multimodal travel has also been approved, namely journeys combining different types of transport such as trains, planes, buses, or ferries. This aspect is relevant to guarantee assistance, reimbursements, and full transparency, especially when the entire travel is purchased through a single solution, avoiding regulatory gaps among different modes of transport.

The reactions of parliamentary rapporteurs have been positive. Matteo Ricci (S&D) emphasized how the compromises reached "protect all passengers, with particular attention to disabled people and those with reduced mobility". Jens Gieseke (EPP) underlined the importance of "clear and enforceable rights for combined journeys", while Andrey Novakov remarked that "every delay reminds us how much clear rules are needed".

These proposals represent a crucial step for a dossier that had been stalled for as many as eleven years. After the political agreement reached by the transport ministers of the 27 Member States earlier this June, today’s approval by the Transport Committee of the Parliament paves the way for negotiations with Member States. If the plenary confirms the mandate in July, the legislative process can proceed, potentially leading to a genuine revolution for air passengers’ rights in Europe and, more broadly, for those opting for integrated travel solutions.