BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has sanctioned a comprehensive update to air passenger rights, addressing delays, cancellations, baggage, and denied boarding. The Council of the European Union finalized the legislative process on July 13, 2026. The European Parliament had approved the agreement six days earlier. The vote resulted in 646 votes in favor, 12 against, with three abstentions. This new regulation represents the first significant overhaul of EU air travel protections in over twenty years.
Passengers will continue to have rights to compensation when their flights arrive at their destination more than three hours late. The protections also apply to cancellations announced less than 14 days prior to departure. Passengers who are denied boarding are covered under the same provisions. Compensation remains set at €250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometres. For longer intra-EU routes and journeys up to 3,500 kilometres, the compensation increases to €400. Eligible longer flights may 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. Carriers can deny claims if extraordinary circumstances caused the disruption. Such circumstances include severe weather, natural disasters, war, unruly passengers, or some external strikes. Despite these exceptions, airlines are still required to provide care during covered disruptions. This includes refreshments, meals, internet access, two phone calls, and necessary hotel accommodations.
Streamlined claims process introduced
The regulation establishes a faster, more organized process for handling claims from affected travelers. Airlines must send claim instructions electronically within four days after the journey concludes. Passengers will have nine months to submit their compensation requests. Airlines are obliged to acknowledge each claim promptly. They must then either pay the compensation or provide a detailed explanation for refusal within 30 days. If refused, passengers are informed how to challenge the decision.
Airlines are required to offer rerouting at the earliest possible opportunity, which may involve another carrier or suitable ground transport. If no suitable alternative arrives within three hours, passengers may organize their own travel arrangements. They can also request reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. Carriers must provide comparable travel conditions and avoid unnecessary connections. Additionally, they are obligated to reimburse reasonable care expenses within 14 calendar days.
Protections for baggage and seating are extended
All passengers will now have the right to carry one personal item free of charge, such as a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Booking platforms are required to display fares that include a hand baggage allowance upfront. Airlines may still offer cheaper tickets without such an allowance. Carriers cannot cancel a return booking solely because the outbound flight was missed. They also cannot charge passengers to correct minor spelling errors in their names.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to seating arrangements side-by-side at no extra cost. The rules also enhance assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Protections are expanded for mobility equipment, pregnant travelers, and unaccompanied minors. These EU passenger rights apply to flights within the EU, all 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.