Zīle: new EU air passenger law bans airlines from charging for children to sit next to parents
After 13 years of political battles, the European Union has adopted a new air passenger law that prohibits airlines from charging for children to sit next to their parents on planes.
The new European Union air passenger law introduces significant changes affecting families with children. Airlines will no longer be allowed to charge extra fees for seating children next to their parents. This is one of several improvements achieved after 13 years of political negotiations between EU member states and the European Parliament.
Roberts Zīle, Vice-President of the European Parliament who was actively involved in the talks, stated that the outcome exceeded initial expectations. "We achieved more than we expected in improving air passenger rights," he said. The new regulation is a step forward in traveler protection, especially for families who previously often faced additional costs to ensure children sit next to adults.
The law will take effect after its official publication and full implementation in EU member states. The exact date has not yet been set, but airlines will need to adapt to the new requirements.
