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 provided final approval on July 13, following the European Parliament’s endorsement of the compromise on July 7. Lawmakers supported the proposal by 646 votes to 12, with three abstentions. The regulations cover delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting, passenger assistance, baggage, and airline liability. These rules will take 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 when flights arrive at their destination more than three hours late. The same protections apply when airlines cancel a flight less than 14 days prior to departure or deny boarding. Compensation remains €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 qualify for €600 under the new rules.
Airlines have the option to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes when rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. Carriers can also refuse compensation if extraordinary circumstances cause the disruption. The regulation features an open list of such events, including 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 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 instructions for claiming compensation within four days of 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 providing an explanation for refusal and outlining the available complaint procedures.
Airlines are obligated to offer rerouting at the earliest possible opportunity, including through other carriers or suitable transportation options. If no appropriate alternative is available within three hours, passengers are permitted to arrange their own route. They can seek reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. Carriers must ensure comparable travel conditions and cannot impose several 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, without additional charges. Booking platforms are now required to display fares that include a hand baggage allowance upfront. Airlines may also offer lower-cost tickets to travelers who opt not to carry hand luggage. Return flights cannot be canceled solely because the passenger missed the outbound flight, nor can airlines charge fees to reinstate such bookings. The new rules also prohibit charges for correcting spelling errors in passenger names.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to sit together without extra fees. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will benefit from strengthened 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 bloc, departures from the EU, and arrivals operated by EU airlines. This reform updates the rules introduced in 2004, following a European Commission proposal issued in 2013.