Brussels: Faster and simpler compensation process for delayed flights, fee-free child seating, and air fares inclusive of carry-on luggage will become part of the EU air passenger rulebook. On Tuesday, MEPs confirmed the changes to air passenger rights rules agreed with the Council of the EU in the Conciliation Committee by 646 votes to 12 and three abstentions. These rules, in force since 2004, aim to ensure that passengers are protected against travel disruptions, such as denied boarding and delayed or canceled flights.
According to Cyprus News Agency, MEPs successfully defended passengers' rights to be reimbursed or rerouted in case of cancellation. They will also continue to claim compensation for delays of more than three hours, cancellations less than 14 days in advance, or denied boarding. Compensation for delayed or canceled flights will depend on flight distance, ranging from £250 to £600. Airlines can reduce compensation by 50% for longest journeys if rerouting is offered or the delay is less than four hours.
Airlines may avoid compensation payments if delays or cancellations are due to extraordinary circumstances. The new rules provide a list of such circumstances, including natural disasters, war, weather conditions, unruly passengers, or strikes by airport, air navigation, or ground handling service providers. Air operators must still provide refreshments, meals, and accommodation during long delays, up to three nights if beyond the airline's control.
The reimbursement process will become quicker and easier, with passengers receiving automatic reimbursements if they opt for it over rerouting. Clear instructions for compensation requests will be provided within four days of journey termination. Passengers will have nine months to file compensation requests, and airlines will have 30 days to respond or invoke extraordinary circumstances.
Passengers will have rights for return flights of two-way tickets without extra fees, and can carry one personal item onboard without additional cost. To enhance price transparency, air fares must include carry-on luggage costs upfront. Airlines may offer cheaper tickets for those traveling without hand luggage. Name spelling errors on tickets or printing boarding passes will not incur additional fees, and boarding passes can be obtained digitally without a user account or specific app.
Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility can seek compensation and assistance if they miss a flight due to airport failures. Families with children will not be separated, with air carriers required to seat accompanying guardians next to children under 14 without extra charges. This right also extends to passengers with disabilities, reduced mobility, and pregnant women.
Virginijus Sinkevicius, Vice-chair of the Transport and Tourism Committee, stated: 'We have good news for everyone who flies. We worked hard to make sure passengers did not lose the rights they already had, while securing better protection for families, people with reduced mobility, and others who need it most.' Rapporteur Andrey Novakov added: 'Today's vote is a win - for both passengers and European aviation. After more than 13 years of deadlock, we are finally replacing uncertainty with clear rules, stronger rights and confidence.'
The provisional agreement must be confirmed by the Council by early August 2026. The updated rules will take effect 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU, with a one-year preparation period for EU countries and companies.