BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has given the green light to its first significant update to air passenger rights in over twenty years. The Council of the European Union finalized approval on July 13, following the European Parliament’s endorsement of the compromise on July 7. The legislation was supported by lawmakers with 646 votes in favor, 12 against, and three abstentions. The new regulations cover issues such as delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting, passenger assistance, baggage, 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 have the right to compensation if their flights arrive more than three hours late. This protection also applies if airlines cancel a flight less than 14 days before departure or refuse boarding. Compensation amounts remain €250 for journeys up to 1,500 kilometres. For longer intra-EU flights and other trips between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, the payout increases to €400. For longer routes, travelers may be entitled to €600 under the new rules.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes when rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. They can also refuse compensation if extraordinary circumstances—such as natural disasters, war, severe weather, unruly passengers, or certain external strikes—are responsible for the disruption. The regulation mandates airlines to provide care during qualifying delays or cancellations. This includes refreshments every two hours, a meal after three hours, internet access, two phone calls, and overnight accommodation if necessary.
Simplified claims process and rerouting options
Under the new rules, passengers opting for reimbursement instead of rerouting will automatically receive it. Airlines are required to send clear claim instructions within four days once a disrupted journey concludes. Travelers will have nine months to submit a compensation claim. The airline must acknowledge receipt immediately and respond within 30 days, either paying the compensation or providing an explanation for refusal along with the available complaint procedures.
Airlines must offer rerouting at the earliest possible opportunity, including through other carriers or suitable transportation options. If no appropriate alternative is available within three hours, passengers may organize their own route and seek reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. Carriers are obligated to ensure 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 protections
The legislation introduces a right to carry one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack, at no extra cost. Booking platforms must initially display fares that include a hand baggage allowance. Airlines are also permitted to sell cheaper tickets to travelers who choose not to bring hand luggage. The rules prohibit canceling a return flight solely because the outbound flight was missed, and they also prevent charging fees to restore such bookings. Additionally, fees for correcting spelling mistakes in passenger names are barred.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to seats next to each other without additional charges. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will enjoy stronger rights to assistance, rerouting, and compensation. The new framework also protects essential mobility equipment and extends safeguards 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 regulations that have been in place since 2004, following a European Commission proposal issued in 2013.