BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has given the green light to a comprehensive reform of air passenger rights, addressing delays, cancellations, baggage issues, and denied boarding. The EU Council finalized the legislative process on July 13, 2026, following approval by the European Parliament six days prior. The vote was carried out with 646 in favor, 12 against, and three abstentions. This new regulation represents the most significant update to EU air travel protections in over twenty years.
Passengers will continue to be entitled to compensation if flights arrive at their destination more than three hours late. The regulation also safeguards travelers from cancellations made less than 14 days before departure. Passengers denied boarding can also claim under the same provisions. Compensation amounts are set at €250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometres, increasing to €400 for longer intra-EU flights and journeys up to 3,500 kilometres. Longer eligible flights can result in payments of €600.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes if rerouted passengers arrive within four hours of the scheduled time. They can also deny claims if extraordinary circumstances caused the disruption, such as severe weather, natural disasters, war, unruly passengers, or certain external strikes. Despite these exceptions, carriers must continue to provide care during disruptions, including refreshments, meals, internet access, two telephone calls, and necessary hotel accommodations.
More transparent claims procedures
A streamlined and clearer claims process is introduced for travelers facing disruptions. Airlines are required to send claim instructions electronically within four days after the flight concludes. Passengers then have nine months to submit a compensation request. Airlines must acknowledge each claim promptly and either pay or provide a detailed refusal within 30 days. If refusing a claim, they must explain how the passenger can challenge the decision.
Carriers are obliged to offer rerouting options at the earliest possible time, potentially using another airline or suitable ground transport. If a suitable alternative does not arrive within three hours, passengers are entitled to arrange their own travel. They can request reimbursement up to four times the original ticket price. Airlines must provide comparable travel conditions and avoid unnecessary connections, while also reimbursing reasonable care expenses within 14 calendar days.
Expanded protections for baggage and seating
All passengers will now have the right to carry one personal item free of charge, which can include a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Booking platforms are required to display fares that include a hand baggage allowance first. Airlines may still offer cheaper tickets without such allowance. Additionally, carriers cannot cancel a return booking solely because the traveler missed the outbound flight, nor can they charge passengers for correcting simple spelling errors in names.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be provided with adjacent seats at no extra cost. The new rules also enhance support for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as protections for mobility equipment, pregnant travelers, and unaccompanied minors. These EU passenger rights apply to flights within the EU, departures from EU airports, and arrivals operated by EU airlines. The regulation will take effect 12 months and 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.