As part of new European Union regulations bringing about the biggest overhaul of air travel in two decades, one key provision addresses changes to the rights of parents travelling with children under 14 years of age.
Under the new regulations, which encompass a wide range of reforms, passengers are set to enjoy far greater rights than before.
When it comes to parents travelling with minor children – specifically youngsters under 14 – the new changes will save them money on tickets.
Until now, standard practice, particularly among low-cost airlines, involved charging extra for seat selection. However, from next year when the new rules come into force, airlines will be required to seat parents and children together without charging an additional fee.
“A new rule is being introduced for parents travelling with children. From now on, airlines will have to sell tickets with seats allocated together. Specifically, a parent and child will sit side by side without being charged extra, which budget airlines previously did. This rule also applies to passengers with disabilities and their carers, who will likewise sit together from next year without an additional surcharge,” explains Luka Popović, editor of the Ex-Yu Aviation portal, speaking to Nova.rs.
Fares for children remain unchanged
Regarding ticket prices for children over two years old, Popović points out that there will be no changes for now.
“Children under two travel free of charge with certain airlines, while others charge half price for them. However, once they turn two, they pay the full adult fare, which remains unchanged. These new aviation rules do not cover that area. They relate exclusively to seating arrangements for parents and children on board.”
Scrapping extra fees for cabin luggage
The rules agreed upon by EU member states and the European Parliament also cover hand luggage.
Airlines will no longer be allowed to charge passengers an additional fee to bring small cabin bags on board – a practice initially introduced by low-cost carriers and subsequently adopted by traditional airlines.
“I think this is the biggest blow to the airlines, as they will likely have to adjust their base fares. There will no longer be an extra charge for carry-on luggage up to eight kilograms. We will see how much, and if, fares increase, but I am certain budget airlines will get creative with their pricing,” Popović emphasises.
The new rules, however, still need to be formally voted on.
“That is just a formality, which will be completed by the end of this year. The important thing is that a consensus has been reached,” says Popović.
As a reminder, the new rules apply to total ticket prices including hand luggage, easier compensation claims in the event of flight delays and cancellations, as well as the aforementioned rules for passengers travelling with children.
Although Serbia is not an EU member state, the changes will affect a large number of citizens using European airlines and flights connected to member states.
The new rules will come into force at the beginning of next year.
(Blic, 27.07.2026)
https://www.blic.rs/biznis/moj-novac/eu-menja-pravila-letenja-za-roditelje-i-decu/0yxvkrd