BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has sanctioned its inaugural comprehensive revision of air passenger protections in over twenty years. The Council of the European Union provided final approval on July 13, following the European Parliament’s endorsement of the compromise on July 7. MEPs supported the legislation by 646 votes to 12, with three abstentions. The regulations cover delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting, passenger support, baggage, and airline accountability. They will become effective 12 months and 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Passengers will retain the right to compensation if flights arrive at their destination more than three hours late. The same protections apply when airlines cancel a flight fewer than 14 days prior to departure or deny boarding. Compensation amounts are €250 for journeys up to 1,500 kilometres. For longer intra-EU flights and other routes between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, the compensation increases to €400. Longer trips may qualify for €600 under the new rules.
Airlines can reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes when rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. Compensation can be denied if 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. During qualifying disruptions, airlines are still required to provide care, including refreshments every two hours, a meal after three hours, internet access, two phone calls, and necessary overnight accommodation.
Simplified claims process and rerouting options
Passengers opting for reimbursement instead of rerouting will automatically receive it under the new system. Airlines must provide clear claim instructions within four days after the end of a disrupted journey. Travelers will have nine months to submit a compensation request. The airline must acknowledge receipt of the claim immediately and respond within 30 days, either by paying the compensation or explaining the refusal and outlining the complaint procedure.
Airlines are required to offer rerouting at the earliest possible opportunity, including through other carriers or suitable transportation options. If an appropriate reroute is not available within three hours, passengers may arrange their own alternative. They are also entitled to reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. Carriers must provide comparable travel conditions and cannot force multiple connections on a passenger who booked a direct flight. Necessary, reasonable, and proportionate care expenses must be reimbursed within 14 calendar days.
Enhanced baggage and seating rights
The legislation introduces the 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 hand baggage allowances initially. Airlines may also sell cheaper tickets to travelers who opt not to take hand luggage. Return journeys cannot be canceled solely because a passenger missed the outbound flight, nor can carriers charge fees to restore such bookings. The rules also prohibit charges for correcting spelling errors in passenger names.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to adjacent seats at no extra cost. 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 in place since 2004, following a European Commission proposal issued in 2013.