Massive EU airline rule changes: what will change for bags, seats and delays

By Harry Dennis • Published: 06 Aug 2026 • 13:34 • 3 minutes readNew rules will change how airlines display cabin-bag fares and handle family seating and flight disruption. Credit: Peopleimages / ShutterstockPaying extra just to sit beside a child is set to disappear on flights covered by EU law. The same overhaul changes cabin-bag pricing and makes delay claims easier, but one widely repeated luggage claim still needs unpacking. It will cover every flight departing from Spain, regardless of where the airline is based. Flights arriving from the UK or another non-EU country will also be covered when operated by an EU-licensed airline.