EASA

The EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) is the central authority for civil aviation safety in the European Union. Its jurisdiction covers all 27 EU Member States, as well as associated countries (such as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein). Its responsibilities include aircraft certification, crew licensing, regulation of air operators, air traffic management, and the harmonization of safety standards to ensure a high and uniform level of passenger protection across the bloc.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

EASA is responsible for flight safety (such as dangerous goods and lithium batteries); fares and baggage allowances are not regulated by it.

• Price transparency: in the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 1008/2008 requires the final price, including mandatory taxes and charges, to be shown from the start of booking, and optional services (such as checked baggage) can only be charged if the passenger chooses them (opt-in).
• Hand baggage: under European case law, hand baggage of reasonable weight and size is an essential part of carriage; even so, size rules and what each fare includes vary by airline. From 23 October 2027, Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 entitles every passenger to one free personal item (up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm, or one that fits under the seat in front).
• Checked baggage: there is no mandatory free allowance; each airline sets its own.

EASA does not set animal health rules: bringing dogs, cats and ferrets into the European Union follows Regulation (EU) 576/2013.

• Documents: microchip, valid rabies vaccination and an official health certificate (or the European pet passport, for travel from within the EU). Animals from countries not listed by the EU also need a rabies antibody test taken at least 3 months before travel.
• On the flight: cabin or hold, weight limit (often 8 kg including the carrier) and accepted breeds are decided by each airline; the carrier must be secure and ventilated.

EASA is responsible for flight safety; fares and services are up to the airlines, within European Union rules:

• Seating together: many airlines currently charge for seat selection, so ask for seats together when booking. From 23 October 2027, Regulation (EU) 2026/2202 requires the airline to offer anyone accompanying a child under 14 on the same booking a seat next to the child free of charge; if no adjacent seats are free, the airline must try to help.
• Infants: children under 2 travel on a lap, with a supplementary belt provided by the crew, or in their own seat with a child seat approved for use on board.
• Stroller and car seat: the number and cost depend on each airline; many carry one stroller and one car seat per child free of charge.

Based on Regulation (EC) No 1107/2006, the rights of Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) in 2026 include:

• Airport Assistance: The airport operator bears the ultimate responsibility for ensuring assistance from the moment a passenger arrives at the terminal until boarding/disembarkation.
• Notification: Assistance requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled departure time.
• Mobility Equipment: Airlines are required to transport, free of charge, up to two items of mobility equipment (e.g., manual/electric wheelchairs and crutches).
• MEDIF form: it is only required when the health condition calls for special care during the flight (such as oxygen or a stretcher); each airline uses its own form.

• EASA - Passenger Rights
• European Commission - Air Passenger Rights (EU Rules)
• EASA - Regulations & Rules (Updated Legal Basis)
• European Union - Travelling with pets (Health Rules)
• EASA - Safety Promotion for Passengers