BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has sanctioned its first significant 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 voted 646 in favor, 12 against, with three abstentions. The updated 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 retain the right to compensation when flights arrive more than three hours late. The same protections apply if airlines cancel a flight fewer than 14 days before departure or refuse boarding. Compensation remains €250 for trips up to 1,500 kilometres. For longer intra-EU flights and other journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, the compensation increases to €400. Longer trips may qualify for €600 under the new regulation.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes when rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. Carriers can also deny compensation if extraordinary circumstances cause the disruption. The regulation includes an open list of causes such as natural disasters, war, severe weather, unruly passengers, and specific external strikes. Airlines must still provide care during qualifying disruptions, including refreshments every two hours, a meal after three hours, internet access, two phone calls, and necessary overnight accommodations.
Simplified Claims Process and Rerouting Options
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 the claim immediately and respond within 30 days, either paying the compensation or providing an explanation for refusal and outlining the available complaint process.
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 are entitled to arrange their own alternative. They may 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 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 a hand baggage allowance initially. Airlines may also sell cheaper tickets to travelers who opt out of carrying hand luggage. They cannot cancel a return flight solely because the passenger missed the outbound flight, nor charge a fee to reinstate that booking. Additionally, charges for correcting spelling mistakes in passenger names are prohibited.
Families traveling with children under 14 will have access to adjacent seating without extra fees. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will benefit from stronger rights to assistance, rerouting, and compensation. The new rules also safeguard essential mobility equipment and extend protections to pregnant travelers and unaccompanied minors. EU passenger rights apply to flights within the EU, departures from the EU, and arrivals operated by EU airlines. This reform updates regulations that have been in place since 2004, following a European Commission proposal issued in 2013.