Brussels, 16 October
As EU institutions negotiate passenger rights (EU 261) reform this week, new dataThis document contains survey data collected and analysed by YouGov plc. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 6275 adults in Spain, France, Germany, Austria and Belgium. Fieldwork was undertaken between 25th September – 2nd October 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of adults (aged 18+). underscores passenger awareness of the risks of higher ticket prices and increased delays, as airlines face further costs and regulatory burden. The YouGov survey, commissioned by Airlines for Europe (A4E), reflects the views of more than 6,000 consumers in five EU member states. The data confirms what European airlines already believe: the European Parliament position does not represent what many European consumers actually want.
“There is no such thing as a free ride in EU261 reform,” said Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of A4E. Different passengers need different things, and only they should decide which services they want to pay for – not regulators. The reformed law must strike a fair balance between passenger protection, how aviation works in practice, and keeping flying accessible.”
Current compensation levels preferred over higher ticket prices
The YouGov survey confirms that passengers’ top priority (48%) is to get to their destination as quickly as possible. However, arbitrary three-hour thresholds for compensation for delays leave airlines little time to bring in backup planes or crews. Extending that window could shorten delays by up to 40%, enabling airlines sufficient time to fly in replacement aircraft and crew, compared to waiting for lengthy repairs. 75% of passengers who have flown in the past 12 months support sticking to current compensation levels, prioritising lower ticket prices over higher financial compensation.
Cabin bags – passengers prefer lower fares and the freedom to choose
The European Parliament has proposed that passengers be allocated a second piece of hand luggage, without an additional fee. However, nearly half (47%) of passengers who flew in the last twelve months would rather pay a lower basic fare, which includes a single, small carry-on bag, with an additional cost for larger hand luggage, making it the preferred choice amongst consumers Amongst three options, including ‘a higher basic fare that includes both a larger item of hand luggage and a small carry-on bag’ and ‘don’t know’..
Furthermore, out of all passengers who have travelled in the past 12 months, 28% travelled with just a small carry-on item that fit under the seat in front of them. Under the Parliament’s current proposal, these passengers would be obliged to pay higher fares to compensate for the ‘free’ extra bag for all passengers.
European consumers surveyed are also concerned that the cabin bag proposal will lead to increased delays. If all passengers brought two bags, around 100 would need to be offloaded at the gate prior to departure, as a standard aircraft has around 190 seats, with only 90 spaces for large bags in the overhead lockers. When asked, only 20% of passengers who fly are willing to risk waiting longer to offload excess cabin luggage if an extra cabin bag were included in their basic fare.
ENDS
Media contact
Ben Kennard
ben.kennard@a4e.eu
Tel.: +32 485 88 66 44
About A4E
Airlines for Europe (A4E) is Europe’s largest airline association. Based in Brussels, A4E works with policymakers to ensure aviation policy continues to connect Europeans with the world in a safe, competitive and sustainable manner. With a modern fleet of over 3,700 aircraft, A4E airlines carried over 771 million passengers in 2024 and served nearly 2,800 destinations across Europe and the wider world. Each year, A4E members transport more than 4 million tonnes of vital goods and equipment either by freighters or passenger aircraft. Find out more at www.flyingforourfuture.eu