Filenews 29 September 2025 - by Ioanna Kyriakou
The European Parliament approved major changes to the rules for air travel within the European Union this year, in an attempt to put a brake on the imposition of additional charges for carrying hand luggage inside the cabin of an aircraft, while at some airports the limit of 100ml for liquids in hand luggage has also begun to be phased out.
However, recent decisions have created a false impression of what is really true, since the proposals that have been adopted cannot become law overnight. In addition, the lifting of the restriction on liquids only applies at airports where control stations are equipped with high-tech scanners. Read below the proposals put on the table, what exactly applies and what you need to know before your next trip.
The decision on carry-on baggage fees
Airlines will not be allowed to charge passengers additional fees for carrying hand luggage on board, based on the decision adopted on June 25 by the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism, which applies to all passengers travelling within the EU.
Specifically, airplane passengers can carry personal bags with maximum dimensions of 40x30x15 cm free of charge, while carry-on baggage must not exceed 100 cm in dimensions and 7 kg in weight. Any other carry-on baggage is subject to a charge by the airlines.
The new regulations also include free seats next to the chaperone for children under 12, the right to a free companion for people with reduced mobility, compensation for damage to mobility equipment or assistance animals.
In addition, a common compensation form for cancellations, delays or denied boarding is introduced, while booking intermediaries (such as platforms or travel agencies) are required to process refunds within 14 days, otherwise the responsibility shifts to the air carrier.
When will the rules apply?
The European Parliament's resolution is non-binding, so it is not clear if and when the European Commission will consider these proposals. According to Euronews, with this resolution the Parliament is pushing for these changes in the negotiations with the European Commission and the Council of the EU. Only when these negotiations are concluded with a compromise can any changes come into force. In fact, the compromise text must then be put to a vote by both the European Parliament and the Council before it becomes law.
What applies to the 100ml limit for liquids
In another development, the European Parliament has decided to abolish the 100ml rule for liquids in hand luggage at airports in the European Union. This change has been phased in at some airports since July 2025.
The removal of this restriction is subject to the condition that the control stations at airports are equipped with new high-tech scanners. Therefore, passengers traveling from airports equipped with the new technology will be able to carry liquids of up to two liters, such as wine, perfumes, olive oil or other products, according to a report by the "Independent".
Among the airports that have already joined are those of Berlin, Rome, Amsterdam and Milan, while the list is expected to expand. However, not all airports are ready, as major stations such as Heathrow in London do not yet have the necessary equipment. The use of the new CT scanners is not mandatory and the implementation is at the discretion of each airport.
The new scanners provide greater accuracy, and travellers will not have to remove laptops and tablets from their carry-on luggage.
Your rights when something goes wrong
EU Regulation 261/2004 enshrines a number of rights for passengers facing cancellation, delay, denied boarding or loss of baggage. The provisions apply when the flight is within the EU and is operated by an airline of a Member State or a third country, arrives in the EU from a non-EU country and is operated by a European company, departs from an EU country to a third country, regardless of whether the airline is European or not.
If the airline does not allow you to travel due to overbooking or operational reasons and you did not give up your seat voluntarily, then you are entitled to financial compensation, assistance at the airport and the choice between a refund, re-routing or a later booking.
In case of cancellation, you can request a refund, an alternative flight or a return to the place of departure. In addition, under certain conditions, compensation of €250-€600 is provided. If the cancellation is announced less than 14 days before departure, the company owes compensation, unless it proves extraordinary circumstances.
For a delay of more than 3 hours at the final destination, you are entitled to compensation, unless the cause is out of the company's control. For shorter delays, assistance is provided such as meals, drinks, communication, accommodation.
In case of loss, damage or delay of baggage, a relevant contract stipulates that the company compensates up to a maximum of approximately €1,200. It is an exception if it is proven that the company has taken all necessary measures.
If you encounter any of the above problems, you can contact the Department of Civil Aviation for cases involving Cypriot airlines and the European Consumer Centre Cyprus for cases involving European air carriers.
