BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has ratified its first comprehensive revision of air passenger rights 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. Lawmakers supported the legislation by 646 votes to 12, with three abstentions. The new regulations cover delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting, passenger assistance, baggage, and airline accountability. They will come into effect 12 months and 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Passengers will continue to have the right to compensation if flights arrive more than three hours late. This protection also applies when 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 compensation rises to €400. Longer journeys may be eligible for €600 under the new rules.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes if rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. Compensation can be denied if extraordinary circumstances cause the disruption. The regulation includes an open list of such circumstances, covering natural disasters, war, severe weather, unruly passengers, and certain external strikes. Airlines are still required to provide care during qualifying disruptions, which includes refreshments every two hours, a meal after three hours, internet access, two phone calls, and necessary overnight accommodations.
Simplified claims and rerouting procedures
Passengers opting for reimbursement instead of rerouting will receive it automatically under the new system. Airlines must provide clear claim instructions within four days after 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 explaining the refusal and pointing to the available complaint process.
Airlines are obligated to offer rerouting at the earliest opportunity, including through other carriers or suitable transportation options. If no suitable alternative is available within three hours, passengers may organize their own route. They can 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 protections
The legislation introduces a right to carry one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack, at no extra charge. Booking platforms are required to display fares that include hand baggage allowance initially. Airlines may also sell cheaper tickets to travelers who choose not to bring hand luggage. The rules prohibit canceling a return trip solely because the passenger missed the outbound flight, and they cannot charge fees for reinstating such bookings. Additionally, charges for correcting spelling mistakes in passenger names are banned.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to seating arrangements adjacent to each other at no additional cost. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will benefit from stronger rights to assistance, rerouting, and compensation. The new framework also safeguards essential mobility equipment and extends protections to pregnant travelers and unaccompanied minors. EU passenger rights apply to flights within the continent, 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.