The couple involved refused to pay the extra fee demanded by the flight coordination company. Things quickly escalated. It got so bad that the man ended up physically fighting with an airport agent, even rolling on the ground.
https://www.nicematin.com/faits-divers/il-refuse-de-payer-un-supplement-bagages-le-litige-se-termine-en-bagarre-a-l-aeroport-de-nice-999711
If you can’t afford to pay for your luggage, don’t travel 😡. What’s next? Are they gonna hit the tour guide in Mykonos because the price of the tour went up without warning 🤪?
A heads-up to all EasyJet travelers: baggage checks are more strict than ever!
Hi there,
Do you know any tricks for traveling on a budget? With flight prices constantly rising, it’s a real lifesaver!
Do you know any tricks for traveling on a budget? With flight prices constantly rising, it’s a real lifesaver!
Hi everyone,
Does anyone have an idea about how flight ticket prices drop for a given destination? (Excluding Ryanair, of course.)
We need to leave for Seville on December 27th. Generally, airlines launch trips on a specific date with a high price to start filling the plane. As the departure date gets closer, the airline tries to fill the plane and lowers its prices, so the ticket price becomes reasonable again.
Example: Right now, for a trip in about 10 days, the average round-trip ticket price is usually around 200 €. Currently, the round-trip ticket price for December 27th is 450 €.
If any of you have more precise info on this topic (for example, if the price drops 15 days before departure), thanks in advance for your input. Jean Paul
Does anyone have an idea about how flight ticket prices drop for a given destination? (Excluding Ryanair, of course.)
We need to leave for Seville on December 27th. Generally, airlines launch trips on a specific date with a high price to start filling the plane. As the departure date gets closer, the airline tries to fill the plane and lowers its prices, so the ticket price becomes reasonable again.
Example: Right now, for a trip in about 10 days, the average round-trip ticket price is usually around 200 €. Currently, the round-trip ticket price for December 27th is 450 €.
If any of you have more precise info on this topic (for example, if the price drops 15 days before departure), thanks in advance for your input. Jean Paul
Hi everyone,
I’m leaving this Saturday the 30th with Iberia, and they’re not responding to emails or picking up the phone 😐. So I’m trying here with my three questions:
1 - On the way there, I’d like to check a pack of water (Vittel 1.5L x6 bottles) in my hold luggage since it’s not allowed in the cabin. I’d like to know if this is allowed or if there are any restrictions in the hold as well (aside from the maximum weight of the luggage, of course)?
2 - I have a disability, and my health hasn’t been improving, so I’ve needed a cane to get around for a while now. At the airport, they’ll put me in a wheelchair with special assistance (I’m used to it). I’ve brought a folding cane for the trip—am I allowed to have it in my carry-on luggage? (It’s a basic walking cane that folds, no fancy handle that unscrews with a sword inside or anything like that). The wheelchair is great, but before the flight, I’d like to stretch my legs a bit .
(The question might seem silly, but I’ve had some weird surprises at airport security before—a glass knick-knack that confused them for a while, even though it was just a small glass rose under a dome, or another time, my empty hair spray bottle caused a lot of hesitation.)
3 - I never received an invoice for my Iberia flights (booked in February), and I’ll need it (since a small part might be reimbursed by my works council). I’ve checked my Iberia personal space, but there’s no invoice anywhere. Do you know how I can get it? (Given that they don’t respond to emails—or if they do, it’s off-topic—and they don’t answer the phone.)
Thanks so much for your help!
I’m leaving this Saturday the 30th with Iberia, and they’re not responding to emails or picking up the phone 😐. So I’m trying here with my three questions:
1 - On the way there, I’d like to check a pack of water (Vittel 1.5L x6 bottles) in my hold luggage since it’s not allowed in the cabin. I’d like to know if this is allowed or if there are any restrictions in the hold as well (aside from the maximum weight of the luggage, of course)?
2 - I have a disability, and my health hasn’t been improving, so I’ve needed a cane to get around for a while now. At the airport, they’ll put me in a wheelchair with special assistance (I’m used to it). I’ve brought a folding cane for the trip—am I allowed to have it in my carry-on luggage? (It’s a basic walking cane that folds, no fancy handle that unscrews with a sword inside or anything like that). The wheelchair is great, but before the flight, I’d like to stretch my legs a bit .
(The question might seem silly, but I’ve had some weird surprises at airport security before—a glass knick-knack that confused them for a while, even though it was just a small glass rose under a dome, or another time, my empty hair spray bottle caused a lot of hesitation.)
3 - I never received an invoice for my Iberia flights (booked in February), and I’ll need it (since a small part might be reimbursed by my works council). I’ve checked my Iberia personal space, but there’s no invoice anywhere. Do you know how I can get it? (Given that they don’t respond to emails—or if they do, it’s off-topic—and they don’t answer the phone.)
Thanks so much for your help!
Hi,
my current question:
which airline to pick—the cheapest one and also the one that takes the least time from TOULOUSE?
Thanks for your help
Hi,
I’m planning a trip to Australia—Paris to Melbourne.
I’m flying with Etihad and have a 1-hour connection in Abu Dhabi.
Does that seem doable to you?
Thanks for your feedback and experiences!
hi everyone, what's the cheapest flight ticket to fly from Paris to Madagascar in July or August? thanks for your help
Hi,
We’re planning to go to Bohol from El Nido (Airswift flight from El Nido to Cebu, then ferry to Bohol).
I can’t find any info about the checked baggage price for the flight. The airfare to Cebu includes a 7 kg carry-on. Does anyone know about checked luggage?
Thanks in advance
Hi there,
This afternoon I had a flight at 5:10 PM to Amsterdam from Nice (final destination: Berlin). I arrived at the airport a little before 3:00 PM and saw that the flight was now leaving at 6:30 PM. I went to the counter to point out that I wouldn’t have time to make my connection, and they told me I’d be spending the night in Amsterdam.
When the agent checked her computer, she saw that I’d been put on a flight with another airline and asked if I hadn’t received an email.
In the end, I had to change terminals and leave at 7:05 PM with Swiss Airlines, then Air Baltic.
Just to clarify, I checked in less than 24 hours ago for both KLM flights (Nice-Amsterdam and Amsterdam-Berlin) where I had seats assigned. I checked my emails carefully, and I was never notified!
Luckily, the Swiss Airlines flight left later—otherwise, at 3:00 PM, I wouldn’t have had time to check in (I have a checked bag), and I don’t know how I would’ve proven I never got an email. Also, thankfully, I went to the counter much earlier than planned for the 6:30 PM departure.
In the end, I was lucky because with KLM, I would’ve lost a whole day. And it’s a good thing I always travel for at least two full weeks because I’ve often lost a day due to delays—I wouldn’t do that for a week or a weekend getaway...
This is the first time this has happened to me, but there’s a first time for everything!
This afternoon I had a flight at 5:10 PM to Amsterdam from Nice (final destination: Berlin). I arrived at the airport a little before 3:00 PM and saw that the flight was now leaving at 6:30 PM. I went to the counter to point out that I wouldn’t have time to make my connection, and they told me I’d be spending the night in Amsterdam.
When the agent checked her computer, she saw that I’d been put on a flight with another airline and asked if I hadn’t received an email.
In the end, I had to change terminals and leave at 7:05 PM with Swiss Airlines, then Air Baltic.
Just to clarify, I checked in less than 24 hours ago for both KLM flights (Nice-Amsterdam and Amsterdam-Berlin) where I had seats assigned. I checked my emails carefully, and I was never notified!
Luckily, the Swiss Airlines flight left later—otherwise, at 3:00 PM, I wouldn’t have had time to check in (I have a checked bag), and I don’t know how I would’ve proven I never got an email. Also, thankfully, I went to the counter much earlier than planned for the 6:30 PM departure.
In the end, I was lucky because with KLM, I would’ve lost a whole day. And it’s a good thing I always travel for at least two full weeks because I’ve often lost a day due to delays—I wouldn’t do that for a week or a weekend getaway...
This is the first time this has happened to me, but there’s a first time for everything!
Hi there,
I just booked a round-trip flight from Brussels to Da Nang on eDreams, with a layover in Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific. Does anyone know the check-in procedure for these flights?
1) For flight CX294 BXL-HKG, I’ll need to check in on the Cathay Pacific website,
2) For the next flight CX5552 HKG-DAD, what should I do? I only have a 2h25 layover. Will I need to collect my luggage, go through immigration, and then recheck in at the airport counter, etc.?
I’m pretty worried about this layover—I thought check-in could be done on the airline’s website and that my luggage would be transferred automatically during the layover, like with most other airlines...
Thanks so much for any help from those who’ve been in this situation!
Hi there,
Since I can’t reach AirChina by phone, I’m posting here to see if anyone has encountered a similar situation and can shed some light.
I’m flying on Sunday for a CDG-Beijing-Canton flight with AirChina, then Canton-Bangkok with Spring Airlines.
I’m a bit worried about my luggage. I’m only traveling with a backpack, a carry-on bag.
I’m not entirely clear on the rules about carrying liquids in the cabin, and I’m hesitant to bring a small toiletry kit (small perfume, cream, deodorant stick—all under 100ml, in a ziplock bag, with a total volume of 350ml).
From what I understand, liquids are allowed but only in checked baggage for domestic flights. On the other hand, it’s stated that they’re permitted in cabin if they meet the 100ml rule and are packed in a ziplock. It’s a bit contradictory, and the airline isn’t responding.
Since my connection is tight and I’m not familiar with Beijing Airport, I’m afraid of breaking the rules, getting held up during security checks, and having to throw away my things.
If anyone can clarify this for me, I’d really appreciate it! !
Since I can’t reach AirChina by phone, I’m posting here to see if anyone has encountered a similar situation and can shed some light.
I’m flying on Sunday for a CDG-Beijing-Canton flight with AirChina, then Canton-Bangkok with Spring Airlines.
I’m a bit worried about my luggage. I’m only traveling with a backpack, a carry-on bag.
I’m not entirely clear on the rules about carrying liquids in the cabin, and I’m hesitant to bring a small toiletry kit (small perfume, cream, deodorant stick—all under 100ml, in a ziplock bag, with a total volume of 350ml).
From what I understand, liquids are allowed but only in checked baggage for domestic flights. On the other hand, it’s stated that they’re permitted in cabin if they meet the 100ml rule and are packed in a ziplock. It’s a bit contradictory, and the airline isn’t responding.
Since my connection is tight and I’m not familiar with Beijing Airport, I’m afraid of breaking the rules, getting held up during security checks, and having to throw away my things.
If anyone can clarify this for me, I’d really appreciate it! !
Hi there,
Have you ever traveled with this airline? It seems like they have a real monopoly on some destinations and are also much cheaper.
Thank youuuu.
Have you ever traveled with this airline? It seems like they have a real monopoly on some destinations and are also much cheaper.
Thank youuuu.
Hi there,
I’m flying from Marseille to Bali this year and have a 1h30 layover in Frankfurt, from Terminal 1 to Terminal 1. Do you think that’s enough time, considering I don’t know the airport or the language? Thanks. »
Hi there!
I’m planning to spend a few days in Hong Kong in April/May to visit my son, who’ll be doing an exchange program there. We’d also like to take the opportunity to spend a few days in Japan. Do you have any tips on airlines in the region? I’ve seen deals on Skyscanner for HK Express, which seems like the local Ryanair. But I have no idea what it’s like.
Thanks in advance!
Hi there,
Lately, when I check Skyscanner (sorted by price low to high 😛), I don’t see Gulf airlines at the top of the list anymore. Instead, Air India dominates (I flew with them a few years ago, and my experience was pretty mixed). After that, there’s Royal Jordanian… and the first Gulf Air, Etihad, and others only show up at 7XX € or more (with endless layovers). What’s going on with these airlines? Did they change their target market? I really like these routes for Southeast Asia trips because they give you a perfect midway break.
Lately, when I check Skyscanner (sorted by price low to high 😛), I don’t see Gulf airlines at the top of the list anymore. Instead, Air India dominates (I flew with them a few years ago, and my experience was pretty mixed). After that, there’s Royal Jordanian… and the first Gulf Air, Etihad, and others only show up at 7XX € or more (with endless layovers). What’s going on with these airlines? Did they change their target market? I really like these routes for Southeast Asia trips because they give you a perfect midway break.
Hi everyone!
We’re planning a multi-stop trip, starting with Uzbekistan.
Has anyone flown with Qanot Sharq before? We’re looking to take a flight from Tashkent to Guangzhou.
We tried buying a ticket on their website, but they only accept local bank cards since they don’t take foreign currency.
We’ve searched on other sites but can’t find any tickets that include baggage. It’s a bit risky since there’s no info on whether we can buy baggage allowance on their site or how much it’d cost.
If anyone has any tips, we’d love to hear them! 😊 Safe travels!
If anyone has any tips, we’d love to hear them! 😊 Safe travels!
Hi there,
I know there are some "airline experts" on this forum 😛
I’ve started doing a bit of research and saw that around ten airlines offer this route with a layover. Price will obviously be a factor, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on the airlines that operate this connection.
Thanks in advance to anyone who joins the discussion!
Hi there,
Hi, I just bought a flight ticket on eDreams. My account was debited, but I haven’t received the tickets. I checked my spam folder, but no luck. Could you provide me with a contact number or a link to their site so I can file a complaint? Alternatively, if anyone has a solution, I’d be interested in getting a refund. I contacted my bank, but since the amount has already been debited, what can they do? Thanks in advance!
Hi, I just bought a flight ticket on eDreams. My account was debited, but I haven’t received the tickets. I checked my spam folder, but no luck. Could you provide me with a contact number or a link to their site so I can file a complaint? Alternatively, if anyone has a solution, I’d be interested in getting a refund. I contacted my bank, but since the amount has already been debited, what can they do? Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone, just a quick feedback on my Saudi flight with two consecutive stopovers in Jeddah and Riyadh. This was for my outbound trip in July 2025 (return trip still to come). I booked through Lastminute without paying attention to this little detail, which caused me a lot of stress afterward. In the end, the only "difficulty" is that you absolutely need a one-year, multiple-entry e-tourist visa from visitsaudi. And it costs around 100 € at the current exchange rate per person, including children. Apart from that, luggage is checked through to the final destination from CDG, so no customs issues in Saudi Arabia and no significant impact on transit time since you don’t need to collect or recheck your hold luggage during the two stopovers in Saudi Arabia.
We had about three hours of transit between each flight. It was late, and the airports weren’t busy, so we only took about an hour each time from leaving the plane to reaching the boarding gate for the next flight—plenty of time. As a solo woman with a child, I wasn’t asked for any proof of parentage (neither a family record book nor a notarized authorization from the father, which I had taken as a precaution), and no questions were asked. No searches, nothing. I had just taken the precaution of wearing an abaya during transit to avoid any issues, but I didn’t cover my head, and I saw several Saudi women with their heads uncovered as well. Black is widely worn, but it’s not mandatory.
So, I stressed a lot, but we arrived at our destination on time with all our luggage. The only difference on board compared to other airlines is the absence of alcohol, prayer at takeoff, and the indication of flying over the *mikat*. Safe travels to all! !
We had about three hours of transit between each flight. It was late, and the airports weren’t busy, so we only took about an hour each time from leaving the plane to reaching the boarding gate for the next flight—plenty of time. As a solo woman with a child, I wasn’t asked for any proof of parentage (neither a family record book nor a notarized authorization from the father, which I had taken as a precaution), and no questions were asked. No searches, nothing. I had just taken the precaution of wearing an abaya during transit to avoid any issues, but I didn’t cover my head, and I saw several Saudi women with their heads uncovered as well. Black is widely worn, but it’s not mandatory.
So, I stressed a lot, but we arrived at our destination on time with all our luggage. The only difference on board compared to other airlines is the absence of alcohol, prayer at takeoff, and the indication of flying over the *mikat*. Safe travels to all! !
Hi there,
I’m heading to the United States for the first time, flying from Paris to Austin with a layover in Atlanta. I arrive at 8:55 PM and leave again at 10:30 PM. Air France told me I don’t need to collect my checked bags, but I keep reading that I *do* have to pick them up after immigration and customs—and that doing all that in 1 hour 30 minutes is basically impossible. I’m traveling with my son, and our English isn’t great. It’s making me a little anxious because the flight I need to catch is the last one of the day, and if I miss it, I’ll have to wait until the next morning.
Do you think this is doable?
Thanks so much
I’m heading to the United States for the first time, flying from Paris to Austin with a layover in Atlanta. I arrive at 8:55 PM and leave again at 10:30 PM. Air France told me I don’t need to collect my checked bags, but I keep reading that I *do* have to pick them up after immigration and customs—and that doing all that in 1 hour 30 minutes is basically impossible. I’m traveling with my son, and our English isn’t great. It’s making me a little anxious because the flight I need to catch is the last one of the day, and if I miss it, I’ll have to wait until the next morning.
Do you think this is doable?
Thanks so much
Hi everyone,
So glad to see this forum still so active!
Quick question for those who’ve recently traveled to Australia: I found a Singapore Airlines flight from Marseille/Frankfurt/Singapore/Sydney for 1425 € round-trip (from 11/10 to 12/8).
Do you think that’s a good price??
I checked directly on the Singapore Airlines website, but the price is way higher than on the comparison site.
Thanks for your input!
So glad to see this forum still so active!
Quick question for those who’ve recently traveled to Australia: I found a Singapore Airlines flight from Marseille/Frankfurt/Singapore/Sydney for 1425 € round-trip (from 11/10 to 12/8).
Do you think that’s a good price??
I checked directly on the Singapore Airlines website, but the price is way higher than on the comparison site.
Thanks for your input!
CUSCO-LA PAZ FLIGHT
Hi, I’d like to fly from Cusco to LA PAZ (to save time… so I don’t want to deal with a canceled flight).
Any feedback on Avianca? (It’s the only direct flight I’ve found.)
Thanks
Hi there,
I’ve got a long layover (about 10 hours) in Seoul on an upcoming trip.
I arrive from Phnom Penh at 7:20 AM and depart for Montreal at 6:00 PM.
First question: Will my checked baggage be transferred automatically? I have a single ticket from KTI to YUL (Air Canada ticket—KTI-ICN operated by Asiana (codeshare) and ICN-YUL by Air Canada).
Second question: I saw it’s possible to join free guided tours (Airport Transit Tour). What do you think of this kind of service? And is my "actual" layover time (accounting for security checks, check-in, etc.) enough to do one of these tours?
Thanks in advance to everyone who chimes in on this!
First question: Will my checked baggage be transferred automatically? I have a single ticket from KTI to YUL (Air Canada ticket—KTI-ICN operated by Asiana (codeshare) and ICN-YUL by Air Canada).
Second question: I saw it’s possible to join free guided tours (Airport Transit Tour). What do you think of this kind of service? And is my "actual" layover time (accounting for security checks, check-in, etc.) enough to do one of these tours?
Thanks in advance to everyone who chimes in on this!
Hi there,
Since I’m not familiar with Australian airlines, I’d appreciate some advice.
I need to book a domestic flight from Adelaide to Sydney quickly, and I see Jetstar, Virgin, and Qantas as options. On paper, Qantas’s schedule and price are less appealing.
Which of the three is the most reliable (fewer flight cancellations, since this is the last flight of the day) and easiest to book on their website?
Thanks!
Since I’m not familiar with Australian airlines, I’d appreciate some advice.
I need to book a domestic flight from Adelaide to Sydney quickly, and I see Jetstar, Virgin, and Qantas as options. On paper, Qantas’s schedule and price are less appealing.
Which of the three is the most reliable (fewer flight cancellations, since this is the last flight of the day) and easiest to book on their website?
Thanks!
Hi everyone,
You’re probably aware that Premium Economy classes are becoming more and more common among regular airlines. I wanted to get your thoughts—do you think the value for money is good? Personally, I’ve tried British Airways and Emirates Premium Economy, and I absolutely loved them! I do wish we had access to Fast Track and/or the lounge, but otherwise, I really think it’s an excellent alternative. Photos of Emirates PE
You’re probably aware that Premium Economy classes are becoming more and more common among regular airlines. I wanted to get your thoughts—do you think the value for money is good? Personally, I’ve tried British Airways and Emirates Premium Economy, and I absolutely loved them! I do wish we had access to Fast Track and/or the lounge, but otherwise, I really think it’s an excellent alternative. Photos of Emirates PE
Hi there!
In August, I’m planning a flight with a layover between Las Vegas and Pointe-à-Pitre. Departure from Las Vegas at 11:50 PM – Arrival in Miami at 7:50 AM Layover from 7:50 AM to 9:55 AM Departure from Miami at 9:55 AM, arrival in PTP at 1:10 PM
I’m a bit stressed about the 2h05 layover. What do you think? Is that enough time?
Thanks for your replies! Marc
In August, I’m planning a flight with a layover between Las Vegas and Pointe-à-Pitre. Departure from Las Vegas at 11:50 PM – Arrival in Miami at 7:50 AM Layover from 7:50 AM to 9:55 AM Departure from Miami at 9:55 AM, arrival in PTP at 1:10 PM
I’m a bit stressed about the 2h05 layover. What do you think? Is that enough time?
Thanks for your replies! Marc
Hi, it's my first time taking a plane and I chose EasyJet for a Geneva -> Barcelona flight.
I booked my ticket.
I received my booking reference by email, but I don’t see the actual ticket (barcode or QR code?).
Then I checked in to get the boarding pass with the flight details, QR code, etc. But does this boarding pass act as the ticket?
Because I’ve seen several times online that the flight ticket and the boarding pass aren’t the same thing.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Hello,
Since it came into force, Regulation 261/2004 of the European Parliament and Council, which defines air passenger rights, has faced fierce resistance from airlines, backed by IATA (the association representing almost all passenger airlines).
Beyond the airlines' often abusive—and even frequently bad-faith—resistance to passenger rights, IATA has been lobbying EU institutions for years, with the Council paying close attention for a long time.
As a result, the Council and the Commission have been proposing revisions to Regulation 261/2004 for years that are particularly unfavorable to passengers. The latest attempt nearly eliminated the right to compensation for delays of 3 hours or more upon arrival at the final destination.
However, since this is a regulation of both the European Parliament AND the Council, the two bodies had to agree.
But the European Parliament has always stood firm, consistently responding that passenger rights must be preserved.
After 11 years of struggle, it seems likely that we’re finally nearing the end of the match between the European Commission, the Council (the 27 heads of state or government), and the European Parliament.
Indeed, the Commission and the European Parliament have agreed on a text that will be debated again on Monday, July 6, 2026, with a vote scheduled for July 7, 2026. It’s very likely that this text, which would come into force in a year, will be adopted.
The main changes would be as follows: - Families with children will no longer be forced to pay to sit together on planes; - A flight will be considered canceled (not just delayed) if it departs more than one hour late; - Right to compensation for arrival at the final destination if the delay exceeds 3 hours (no longer "3 hours OR more"). The arrival time will be when the plane, having reached its parking spot, engages its parking brakes (no longer when the aircraft door opens); - Airlines can no longer refuse boarding or charge extra on the return flight for a passenger who didn’t take the outbound flight; - If a flight is canceled, the airline must, at the same time as informing passengers of the event, offer the choice between a refund and re-routing, and inform them of their rights to assistance and, if applicable, compensation; - The airline must, without undue delay, inform passengers of the reason; - In the case of a connecting flight, if the connection is missed and the delay at the final destination entitles the passenger to compensation, the responsible airline will be liable. This is very different from the current situation, where, under the KLM ruling, any airline operating a segment of the flight is liable for compensation. This promises more disputes that the Court of Justice of the European Union will have to resolve if two separate airlines operating segments of a connecting flight are both responsible for the delay. See this case for an example: https://retardimportantavion.wordpress.com/2026/04/18/swiss-international-air-lines-la-mauvaise-foi/ Moreover, this case demonstrates in advance another potential dispute: It could be argued that it wasn’t a missed connection since the flight was canceled before the first leg even departed. - Within 96 hours of a flight that could entitle passengers to compensation, the airline must contact them to inform them of their rights and explain the next steps. - Passengers must claim their right to compensation within 9 months. This is very different from the current situation, as Regulation 261/2004 sets no time limit. Currently, national law applies—in France, the limit is 5 years. The airline must respond within 30 days. If the airline refuses compensation on the grounds of "extraordinary circumstances," it must specify which type of case it refers to from the list in the annex of the new regulation. If the case isn’t on the list, the airline must explain what the event was, why it qualifies as extraordinary circumstances with "clear, substantial, and concise" explanations, and why it’s directly linked to the reason given. It must also declare what "reasonable measures" were taken to mitigate the issue. This is, of course, a huge change in the regulation, with the clear goal of preventing airlines from declaring just anything as "extraordinary circumstances" to avoid compensation. - If, within 3 hours of a last-minute canceled or delayed flight, the airline hasn’t offered re-routing under comparable transport conditions and as soon as possible—whether on one of its own flights or another airline’s—the passenger will have the right to arrange their own re-routing and demand a refund for the new ticket, up to 400% of the original ticket price. This is a significant improvement that would have likely prevented the case described here: https://retardimportantavion.wordpress.com/2024/01/12/reacheminement-catastrophique-droit-indemnisation-meme-circonstances-extraordinaires-2/ - If a flight is canceled due to "extraordinary circumstances," the airline will only be required to offer up to 3 nights in a hotel. This is a major change, as there’s currently no limit. Expect disputes if the extraordinary circumstances end while the passenger hasn’t been re-routed. - The price of a flight, as first displayed, must obligatorily include a cabin bag. This doesn’t prevent the airline from offering a price reduction if the passenger waives the cabin bag. This will put an end to abnormal practices, such as (just one example) Condor charging extra for a cabin bag on long-haul flights like Frankfurt (Germany)–Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)–Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)–Frankfurt. - Free correction of a passenger’s name if requested 48 hours before departure. Note: This can’t be used to replace one passenger with another—just to correct a typo, e.g., Dupont instead of Dpont. - Airlines’ websites and apps must include information on how to file a claim.
It’s clear that, despite a few details, these changes are very positive for upholding passenger rights. It remains to be seen whether this text will be definitively adopted on July 7, 2026, as is very likely, and, more importantly, whether IATA will encourage airlines to loyally respect these new rules or persist in their old habits.
Best regards,
Since it came into force, Regulation 261/2004 of the European Parliament and Council, which defines air passenger rights, has faced fierce resistance from airlines, backed by IATA (the association representing almost all passenger airlines).
Beyond the airlines' often abusive—and even frequently bad-faith—resistance to passenger rights, IATA has been lobbying EU institutions for years, with the Council paying close attention for a long time.
As a result, the Council and the Commission have been proposing revisions to Regulation 261/2004 for years that are particularly unfavorable to passengers. The latest attempt nearly eliminated the right to compensation for delays of 3 hours or more upon arrival at the final destination.
However, since this is a regulation of both the European Parliament AND the Council, the two bodies had to agree.
But the European Parliament has always stood firm, consistently responding that passenger rights must be preserved.
After 11 years of struggle, it seems likely that we’re finally nearing the end of the match between the European Commission, the Council (the 27 heads of state or government), and the European Parliament.
Indeed, the Commission and the European Parliament have agreed on a text that will be debated again on Monday, July 6, 2026, with a vote scheduled for July 7, 2026. It’s very likely that this text, which would come into force in a year, will be adopted.
The main changes would be as follows: - Families with children will no longer be forced to pay to sit together on planes; - A flight will be considered canceled (not just delayed) if it departs more than one hour late; - Right to compensation for arrival at the final destination if the delay exceeds 3 hours (no longer "3 hours OR more"). The arrival time will be when the plane, having reached its parking spot, engages its parking brakes (no longer when the aircraft door opens); - Airlines can no longer refuse boarding or charge extra on the return flight for a passenger who didn’t take the outbound flight; - If a flight is canceled, the airline must, at the same time as informing passengers of the event, offer the choice between a refund and re-routing, and inform them of their rights to assistance and, if applicable, compensation; - The airline must, without undue delay, inform passengers of the reason; - In the case of a connecting flight, if the connection is missed and the delay at the final destination entitles the passenger to compensation, the responsible airline will be liable. This is very different from the current situation, where, under the KLM ruling, any airline operating a segment of the flight is liable for compensation. This promises more disputes that the Court of Justice of the European Union will have to resolve if two separate airlines operating segments of a connecting flight are both responsible for the delay. See this case for an example: https://retardimportantavion.wordpress.com/2026/04/18/swiss-international-air-lines-la-mauvaise-foi/ Moreover, this case demonstrates in advance another potential dispute: It could be argued that it wasn’t a missed connection since the flight was canceled before the first leg even departed. - Within 96 hours of a flight that could entitle passengers to compensation, the airline must contact them to inform them of their rights and explain the next steps. - Passengers must claim their right to compensation within 9 months. This is very different from the current situation, as Regulation 261/2004 sets no time limit. Currently, national law applies—in France, the limit is 5 years. The airline must respond within 30 days. If the airline refuses compensation on the grounds of "extraordinary circumstances," it must specify which type of case it refers to from the list in the annex of the new regulation. If the case isn’t on the list, the airline must explain what the event was, why it qualifies as extraordinary circumstances with "clear, substantial, and concise" explanations, and why it’s directly linked to the reason given. It must also declare what "reasonable measures" were taken to mitigate the issue. This is, of course, a huge change in the regulation, with the clear goal of preventing airlines from declaring just anything as "extraordinary circumstances" to avoid compensation. - If, within 3 hours of a last-minute canceled or delayed flight, the airline hasn’t offered re-routing under comparable transport conditions and as soon as possible—whether on one of its own flights or another airline’s—the passenger will have the right to arrange their own re-routing and demand a refund for the new ticket, up to 400% of the original ticket price. This is a significant improvement that would have likely prevented the case described here: https://retardimportantavion.wordpress.com/2024/01/12/reacheminement-catastrophique-droit-indemnisation-meme-circonstances-extraordinaires-2/ - If a flight is canceled due to "extraordinary circumstances," the airline will only be required to offer up to 3 nights in a hotel. This is a major change, as there’s currently no limit. Expect disputes if the extraordinary circumstances end while the passenger hasn’t been re-routed. - The price of a flight, as first displayed, must obligatorily include a cabin bag. This doesn’t prevent the airline from offering a price reduction if the passenger waives the cabin bag. This will put an end to abnormal practices, such as (just one example) Condor charging extra for a cabin bag on long-haul flights like Frankfurt (Germany)–Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic)–Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic)–Frankfurt. - Free correction of a passenger’s name if requested 48 hours before departure. Note: This can’t be used to replace one passenger with another—just to correct a typo, e.g., Dupont instead of Dpont. - Airlines’ websites and apps must include information on how to file a claim.
It’s clear that, despite a few details, these changes are very positive for upholding passenger rights. It remains to be seen whether this text will be definitively adopted on July 7, 2026, as is very likely, and, more importantly, whether IATA will encourage airlines to loyally respect these new rules or persist in their old habits.
Best regards,
Hi there, we’re planning a trip to Nosy Be next summer and we’ve come across Neos Air, which offers direct flights from Rome and Milan. It looks really appealing, but how reliable are they, especially in terms of punctuality—particularly for evening departures?











