BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has sanctioned its first comprehensive reform of air passenger rights in over twenty years. The Council of the European Union gave its final approval on July 13, following the European Parliament’s endorsement of the compromise on July 7. Legislators approved the proposal with 646 votes in favor, 12 against, and three abstentions. The updated rules cover delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting, passenger assistance, baggage issues, and airline liability. They will come into effect 12 months and 20 days after being published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Passengers will continue to hold the right to compensation if flights arrive more than three hours late. The same protections apply if airlines cancel a flight less than 14 days before departure or refuse boarding. Compensation remains at €250 for trips up to 1,500 kilometres. The amount increases to €400 for longer intra-EU flights and other journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres. Longer trips may be eligible for up to €600 under the new regulation.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest journeys when rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. Airlines may also deny compensation if extraordinary circumstances cause the disruption. The regulation provides an open list of such events, including natural disasters, war, severe weather, unruly passengers, and certain external strikes. During qualifying disruptions, airlines must still provide care, which includes refreshments every two hours, a meal after three hours, internet access, two phone calls, and necessary overnight accommodations.
Simplified Claims Process and Rerouting Procedures
Passengers opting for reimbursement instead of rerouting will now receive it automatically under the new rules. Airlines are required to send clear instructions for filing claims within four days after a disrupted journey ends. Travelers will have up to nine months to submit a compensation request. The airline must acknowledge the claim immediately and respond within 30 days, either by paying the compensation or providing an explanation for denial, along with details of the available complaint process.
Airlines must offer rerouting options at the earliest opportunity, including through other carriers or suitable transportation modes. If no appropriate alternative is available within three hours, passengers are permitted to make their own arrangements. In such cases, they can seek reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. Carriers are required to provide comparable travel conditions and cannot force multiple connections on passengers who booked direct flights. Necessary, reasonable, and proportionate care expenses must be reimbursed within 14 calendar days.
Enhanced Baggage and Seating Rights
The legislation introduces a right to carry one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack, free of charge. Booking platforms must display fares that include hand baggage allowances initially. Airlines may also sell cheaper tickets to travelers who opt not to bring hand luggage. The rules prohibit canceling a return flight solely because the outbound was missed, and they also prevent airlines from charging fees to reinstate such bookings. Additionally, charges for correcting passenger name spelling mistakes are banned.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to adjacent seating without additional costs. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will benefit from stronger rights to assistance, rerouting, and compensation. The framework also safeguards essential mobility equipment and extends protections to pregnant travelers and unaccompanied minors. EU passenger rights apply to flights within the EU, departures from the EU, and arrivals operated by EU airlines. The reform updates legislation in place since 2004, following a European Commission proposal issued in 2013.