BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has given the green light to its first significant revision of air passenger protections in over twenty years. The European Union Council finalized the approval on July 13, following the European Parliament’s endorsement of the compromise on July 7. Lawmakers supported the proposal with 646 votes in favor, 12 against, and three abstentions. The regulations cover delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting, passenger assistance, baggage, and airline liability. They 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 their flights arrive more than three hours late. The same protections apply when airlines cancel a flight less than 14 days before departure or refuse boarding. Compensation amounts remain €250 for trips up to 1,500 kilometers. For longer intra-EU flights and journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, the compensation increases to €400. Longer trips may be eligible for €600 under the new regulation.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest journeys if rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. Carriers can deny compensation in cases where extraordinary circumstances cause the disruption. The regulation features an open list of such circumstances, 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 accommodation.
Simplified Claims Process and Rerouting Options
Under the new system, passengers opting for reimbursement instead of rerouting will receive it automatically. Airlines are required to send clear claim instructions within four days after the end of a disrupted journey. 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 explaining the refusal and pointing to the available complaint process.
Airlines must provide rerouting options at the earliest possible opportunity, including through other carriers or suitable transport modes. If no suitable option is available within three hours, passengers may organize their own route. They are entitled to 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 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 are now required to display fares that include hand baggage allowances from the start. Airlines may also sell cheaper tickets to travelers who opt not to carry hand luggage. Return flights cannot be canceled solely because the outbound flight was missed, nor can airlines charge a fee to restore such bookings. The rules also prohibit fees for correcting spelling mistakes in passenger names.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to sit together without extra charges. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will have stronger rights to assistance, rerouting, and compensation. The new rules also protect essential mobility equipment and extend safeguards 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 regulations established since 2004, following a European Commission proposal issued in 2013.