An EU package of measures to compensate passengers bumped off overbooked flights has been extended to cover those on charter holidays.

There had been anger among passenger groups after the original European Union scheme, unveiled in July, did not include charter flights.

Now EU member states have agreed with representatives of the European Parliament to include those flights.

The flights are used in Europe by package holiday and tour operators, and carry thousands of passengers every year, particularly in the summer months.

In a further widening of the redress available to affected passengers, airlines must also offer passengers free telephone calls and meals if their flights are running late.

Loyola de Palacio, the EU transport commissioner, said air passengers were often "victims of practices which deserve that they receive a fair treatment and proper compensation".

Compensation levels

The new package of rules cover delays to flights and overbooking.

Passengers denied boarding because of over-booking have the right to choose between an alternative flight and a full refund, in addition to compensation.

For short-haul flights, the compensation level is 250 euros ($286; �172), rising in stages to 600 euros for long-haul flights.

Those having to wait longer than two hours for a short-haul flight, and four hours for a long-haul one will be able to get their money back.

Hotel offer

If a passenger's travel plans have been ruined by a flight delayed for more than five hours, the airline must offer a refund within a week.

If the delay stretches into the next day, free hotel accommodation must also be offered.

According to the EU, as many as 250,000 passengers are refused access to their flights each year because of overbooking.

The revised package must go back to the European Parliament and member states for final agreement.

The rules will apply to all passengers flying from EU airports, or into the EU on EU carriers.