BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has sanctioned its first comprehensive revision of air passenger protections in over twenty years. The Council of the European Union finalized the approval on July 13, following the European Parliament’s endorsement of the compromise on July 7. Lawmakers approved the measure by a vote of 646 in favor, 12 against, with three abstentions. The regulations cover issues such as delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting, passenger assistance, baggage handling, 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 will retain the right to compensation if flights arrive more than three hours late at their final destination. This same protection applies when airlines cancel a flight less than 14 days before departure or refuse boarding. Compensation remains at €250 for journeys up to 1,500 kilometres, increasing to €400 for longer intra-EU flights and other trips between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres. For longer routes, compensation can reach €600 under the new regulation.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by half on the longest journeys if rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. They can also deny compensation when extraordinary circumstances are involved. The regulation includes an open list of such circumstances, covering natural disasters, war, severe weather, unruly passengers, and certain external strikes. Airlines remain required to provide care during qualifying disruptions, including refreshments every two hours, a meal after three hours, internet access, two phone calls, and overnight accommodation if necessary.
Simplified claim procedures and rerouting options
Passengers opting for reimbursement instead of rerouting will receive it automatically under the new system. Airlines must send clear instructions for claims within four days after a disrupted journey concludes. Travelers will have nine months to submit a compensation claim. The airline must acknowledge the claim immediately and respond within 30 days, either paying the compensation or providing a reason for denial and outlining the available complaint process.
Airlines are required to offer rerouting at the earliest possible time, including via other carriers or suitable transportation options. If no appropriate solution is available within three hours, passengers are permitted to arrange their own route. They may seek reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. Carriers must ensure comparable travel conditions and cannot force multiple connections on passengers who booked direct flights. Necessary, reasonable, and proportional care expenses must be refunded 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 required to display fares that include a hand baggage allowance from the outset. Airlines may also sell lower-cost tickets to travelers who opt not to bring hand luggage. The rules prohibit the cancellation of a return flight solely because the outbound flight was missed and forbid charging fees to reinstate such bookings. Additionally, charges for correcting passenger name spelling errors are disallowed.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to sit together without extra fees. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will benefit from stronger rights to assistance, rerouting, and compensation. The regulation also safeguards essential mobility equipment and extends protections to pregnant travelers and unaccompanied minors. These 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.