BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has sanctioned its first comprehensive revision of air passenger rights 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 supported the proposal by a vote of 646 to 12, with three abstentions. The regulations cover delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting, passenger assistance, baggage, 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 at their destination more than three hours late. The same protections are in place when airlines cancel a flight fewer than 14 days before departure or refuse boarding. Compensation remains at €250 for journeys up to 1,500 kilometres. For longer intra-EU flights and other trips between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, the amount increases to €400. Longer journeys may be eligible for €600 under the new regulation.
Airlines have the option to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes when rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. They may also deny compensation 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 assistance during qualifying disruptions, 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
Passengers opting for reimbursement instead of rerouting will automatically receive it under the new rules. Airlines must provide clear instructions for filing claims within four days after a disrupted flight concludes. Travelers will have nine months to submit a compensation request. The airline must acknowledge the claim immediately and respond within 30 days, either paying the compensation or explaining the refusal and outlining the available complaint procedures.
Carriers are required to offer rerouting at the earliest opportunity, which may include arrangements with other carriers or suitable transportation methods. If no appropriate alternative is available within three hours, passengers are entitled to arrange their own route. They can seek reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. Airlines must ensure 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 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 upfront. Airlines may also sell cheaper tickets to travelers who opt not to take hand luggage. They are prohibited from canceling a return flight solely because the passenger missed the outbound leg, nor can they charge a fee to reinstate such a booking. Additionally, charges for correcting spelling mistakes in passenger names are disallowed.
Families traveling with children under 14 will have the right to sit together without extra costs. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will benefit from stronger assistance, rerouting, and compensation rights. The regulation also safeguards essential mobility equipment and extends protections to pregnant travelers and unaccompanied minors. EU passenger rights apply to flights within the region, departures from the EU, and arrivals operated by EU airlines. This reform updates the rules established since 2004, following a European Commission proposal issued in 2013.