As a passenger, you will receive new rights in Europe by 2027 at the latest.Image: Instagram/flyswiss
June 16, 2026, 10:26 amJune 16, 2026, 10:26 am
The EU Parliament has strengthened passenger rights for flights in Europe. Switzerland is also affected by these changes via the bilateral air transport agreement. Swiss airline passengers can also benefit from the innovations. This is specifically what it’s about:
Hidden prices
In the future, airlines will no longer be allowed to hide surcharges for hand luggage.Image: keystone
In the future, anyone looking for flight tickets online will be shown the price including hand luggage as standard. This should make it easier for consumers to compare prices. However, airlines can still offer tickets for which you have to pay extra for larger pieces of hand luggage – as some low-cost airlines in particular already do.
Seat reservation
Also new: Families can book seats next to each other on the plane free of charge. Accordingly, it should be stipulated that seats next to their parents can be reserved for underage children at no additional cost.
Delays
From 2027, airlines will have to inform their passengers about their rights in the event of delays.Image: keystone
It remains the case that travelers are entitled to compensation if their flight is delayed by at least three hours. Graded according to distance, it is 250 euros (at a distance of 1,500 kilometers), 400 euros (at a distance of up to 3,500 kilometers), 600 euros (at a distance of more than 3,500 kilometers).
The prerequisite is always that the airline is to blame for the delay. She now has to inform her guests digitally about their rights. According to Parliament, passengers should have nine months to submit an application for compensation in the event of both delays and flight cancellations.
Printed ticket
No mobile requirement: The EU wants all airlines to accept printed tickets.Image: keystone
Anyone who has checked in digitally is now entitled to a free printed ticket. The EU Parliament wants to force airlines like Ryanair to accept non-digital tickets.
When do the new rules apply?
The agreement reached still needs to be confirmed by the Council of Member States and the plenary session of the European Parliament. However, this is considered a formality. The airlines then have 12 months to implement the changes. (leo with material from the sda)