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 approved the proposal with 646 votes in favor, 12 against, and three abstentions. The regulations cover issues such as delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting, passenger assistance, baggage, and airline liability. These rules will become effective 12 months and 20 days after their publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Passengers will retain the right to compensation if their flights arrive more than three hours late. This protection also applies when airlines cancel flights less than 14 days before departure or refuse boarding. Compensation amounts are set 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 compensation increases to €400. For longer routes, travelers may be eligible for €600 under the new regulation.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest trips when rerouted passengers arrive no more than four hours late. They may also deny compensation if the disruption is due to extraordinary circumstances. The regulation includes an open list of such causes, covering natural disasters, war, severe weather, unruly passengers, and certain external strikes. During qualifying disruptions, airlines must still provide passenger care, 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
Passengers opting for reimbursement instead of rerouting will automatically receive it under the new rules. Airlines are required to send clear instructions for filing claims within four days after a disrupted journey concludes. 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 paying the compensation or providing an explanation for denial along with details of the complaint process.
Airlines are obligated to offer rerouting at the earliest possible time, including through other carriers or suitable transportation options. If an appropriate rerouting option is not available within three hours, passengers can arrange their own alternative route. They may seek reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. Carriers must provide comparable travel conditions and cannot impose 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 passenger 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 the hand baggage allowance from the outset. Airlines may also offer cheaper tickets to travelers who opt out of carrying hand luggage. The rules prohibit cancellations of return journeys solely because the outbound flight was missed, and they forbid charges for correcting passenger name spelling mistakes.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to sit together without additional fees. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will benefit from stronger assistance, rerouting, and compensation rights. The regulation 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. This reform updates regulations in place since 2004, following a European Commission proposal issued in 2013.