BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has given the green light to its first comprehensive update of air passenger rights in over twenty years. The Council of the European Union approved the reforms on July 13, following the European Parliament’s endorsement of the compromise on July 7. Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favor, with 646 votes for, 12 against, and three abstentions. The new regulations cover issues such as delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting, passenger assistance, baggage, and airline liability. These rules will come into effect 12 months and 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Passengers retain the right to compensation if their flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late. The same entitlement applies when airlines cancel flights less than 14 days before departure or refuse boarding. Compensation remains at €250 for trips up to 1,500 kilometers. For longer intra-EU flights and other journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, the compensation increases to €400. For journeys exceeding those distances, compensation can be up to €600 under the new rules.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% for the longest trips if rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. Carriers can also refuse compensation if the disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances. The regulation includes an open list of such events, covering natural disasters, war, severe weather, unruly passengers, and certain external strikes. During qualifying disruptions, airlines must still provide passenger care, including refreshments every two hours, meals after three hours, internet access, two phone calls, and necessary overnight accommodation.
Simplified claims process and rerouting procedures
Under the new system, passengers opting for reimbursement instead of rerouting will receive it automatically. Airlines are required to provide clear claim instructions within four days after a disrupted journey concludes. Travelers will have a period of nine months to submit a compensation claim. The airline must acknowledge the claim promptly and respond within 30 days, either paying the compensation or explaining the denial and outlining the available complaint procedures.
Airlines are obligated to offer rerouting at the earliest possible opportunity, including through other carriers or suitable transportation options. If no appropriate rerouting is available within three hours, passengers are entitled to arrange their own route. They can seek reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. Carriers must ensure comparable travel conditions and cannot insist on multiple connections if a passenger booked a direct flight. Necessary, reasonable, and proportionate care expenses must be reimbursed within 14 calendar days.
Enhanced baggage and seating protections
The legislation introduces a right to carry one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack, free of charge. Booking platforms are now required to display fares that already include a hand baggage allowance. Airlines may also offer cheaper tickets to travelers who opt not to take hand luggage. Return journeys cannot be canceled solely because the passenger missed the outbound flight, nor can airlines charge a fee to reinstate such bookings. Additionally, charges for correcting spelling mistakes in passenger names are prohibited.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to seating arrangements adjacent to each other at no extra cost. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will benefit from stronger rights to assistance, rerouting, and compensation. The new framework also safeguards essential mobility equipment and extends protections to pregnant travelers and unaccompanied minors. EU passenger rights apply to flights within the bloc, departures from the EU, and arrivals operated by EU airlines. The reform updates rules established since 2004, following a European Commission proposal issued in 2013.