Survey: EU passenger rights reform misaligned with travellers’ priorities, airlines warn

Brussels, 16 October 2025 – As EU lawmakers debate reforms to the bloc’s passenger rights regulation (EU261), new YouGov data commissioned by Airlines for Europe (A4E) reveals that the European Parliament’s position does not reflect the preferences of most travellers.

The survey of more than 6,000 consumers across five EU countries shows that passengers are more concerned about affordable fares and shorter delays than higher compensation levels or extra baggage rights.

Key findings:

• 48% of respondents said their top priority is reaching their destination as quickly as possible.

• 75% prefer to maintain current compensation rules rather than risk higher ticket prices.

• 47% would rather pay a lower base fare that includes only one small carry-on bag, opting to pay extra for larger hand luggage.

• 28% of passengers travelled with only a small under-seat item in the past year.

A4E warns that proposed EU changes—such as adding a second “free” cabin bag for all passengers—could increase fares and delays, as aircraft have limited space for larger carry-ons.

“There is no such thing as a free ride in EU261 reform,” said Ourania Georgoutsakou, A4E’s Managing Director. “Different passengers need different things, and only they should decide which services they want to pay for – not regulators.”

A4E argues that giving airlines more flexibility—such as extending the current three-hour compensation threshold—would reduce delays by up to 40%, allowing time to deploy replacement aircraft and crews when disruptions occur.

The findings, A4E says, underscore the need for a balanced reform that protects passengers while keeping air travel affordable and operationally realistic.