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EU Votes For Sweeping Changes For Flights from 2027
The European Parliament has backed sweeping new passenger rights rules that could see travellers entitled to both a personal item and a 7kg cabin bag as part of their fare from 2027, potentially ending one of the most unpopular charges imposed by low-cost airlines.
However, the baggage changes may not be the biggest story. The reforms also include a number of passenger-friendly measures, including the right to correct spelling mistakes on tickets free of charge, a requirement for families to be seated together at no extra cost, and an end to airlines automatically cancelling a return flight if a passenger misses the outbound sector.
That last change could be particularly significant for savvy travellers who book cheaper ex-EU itineraries from cities such as Dublin. Missing the first leg of a ticket currently risks the entire booking being cancelled, something these new rules are designed to address.
This change could have significant implications for ex-EU fares. In theory, it may encourage some airlines to review their pricing structures if passengers are no longer required to fly the first sector of a ticket. However, it seems unlikely to spell the end of ex-EU fares altogether.
The main reason these fares are often cheaper is not the ticketing rules themselves, but differences in taxes and competition. The UK’s Air Passenger Duty is among the highest aviation taxes in the world, and airlines operating from London also face intense competition from rival carriers and alternative European departure points. As a result, ex-EU fares are likely to remain attractive to some travellers, even if the new rules make them easier to use.
Airlines would also be required to provide boarding passes without forcing passengers to download an app.
The proposals still need to complete the EU legislative process before coming into force. While the UK is no longer part of the EU, the changes are expected to apply to many flights used by British travellers, particularly flights within the EU and services operated by EU airlines. The position for flights departing the UK on UK airlines is less clear and may ultimately depend on whether the UK chooses to adopt similar rules.
Qantas Scraps Plans for Dedicated London First Class Lounge
Qantas has quietly abandoned plans to open a dedicated First Class lounge at London Heathrow, opting instead to upgrade its existing Terminal 3 lounge with additional capacity and a new premium dining space.
The airline had originally announced plans for a standalone First Class lounge in 2023, timed to coincide with the launch of its ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise flights between Sydney and London. However, after several years of searching, Qantas was unable to secure suitable space at Heathrow.
Instead, the carrier will refurbish its current lounge, adding 40 to 60 additional seats, more shower facilities and an invitation-only premium dining room inspired by the recently opened concept in Auckland.
The new dining area will offer à la carte meals and upgraded wine selections for First Class passengers, Qantas Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers, eligible Oneworld Emerald members and Chairman’s Lounge guests.
According to Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace, Heathrow’s ongoing congestion and lack of available infrastructure made a standalone First Class facility impossible to deliver.
Work on the lounge is expected to begin within the next six months, with Qantas aiming to complete the refurbishment by October 2027, ahead of the arrival of its first non-stop Project Sunrise flight from Sydney.
The airline is still deciding whether to renovate the lounge in stages or temporarily close sections during construction. During the upgrade, eligible passengers may be directed to partner lounges in Terminal 3, including those operated by British Airways and Cathay Pacific.
While travellers won’t be getting the dedicated First Class lounge once promised, frequent flyers can still expect a larger lounge, more facilities and a premium dining experience reserved for top-tier customers.
Gatwick Adds Overnight Trains and Buses Ahead of Busy Summer Travel Season
Getting to Gatwick for those painfully early flights could soon become a lot easier. The airport is adding a range of overnight train and bus services this summer, giving travellers more options for reaching the airport in the early hours and getting home after late-night arrivals.
From 18 July to 7 September, Gatwick Express will trial overnight services between London Victoria and Gatwick on Saturdays and Mondays. The first train will leave Victoria at 03:40, with return services from the airport starting at 04:35.
Great Western Railway is also testing overnight trains between Reading and Gatwick, operating in the early hours of Saturdays and Mondays until 12 September.
On the road, Gatwick has expanded its bus network, with eight Metrobus routes now running 24/7 across Sussex and Surrey. That includes a new 500 route linking the airport with Eastbourne.
The extra services are aimed at passengers travelling during the summer rush, particularly those booked on early departures or arriving back late at night, while also helping airport staff get to and from work more easily.
The move comes as Gatwick continues its push to get more passengers using public transport, with a target of 52% of journeys to and from the airport being made by public transport by 2030.
For anyone who’s ever faced an expensive taxi fare or an overnight airport stay before a dawn departure, the new services could be a welcome addition.
