BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has approved a comprehensive update to air passenger rights, addressing delays, cancellations, baggage issues, and denied boarding. The Council of the European Union finalized the legislative process on July 13, 2026. The European Parliament had already endorsed the agreement six days prior. The vote concluded with 646 votes in favor, 12 against, and three abstentions. This regulation represents the first significant overhaul of EU air travel protections in over twenty years.
Passengers will continue to have rights to compensation if their flights arrive more than three hours late. The protections also apply to cancellations announced less than 14 days before departure. Passengers who are denied boarding can also claim under this framework. Compensation remains at €250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometres. It increases to €400 for longer intra-EU routes and trips up to 3,500 kilometres. Longer flights qualifying for compensation can be eligible for payments of €600.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% for the longest routes if rerouted passengers arrive within four hours of the scheduled time. They can deny claims when extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, natural disasters, war, unruly passengers, or certain external strikes, are responsible for the disruption. Nevertheless, airlines must continue providing care during covered delays or cancellations. This includes refreshments, meals, internet access, two phone calls, and necessary hotel accommodations.
More transparent claims procedure
The new regulation establishes a quicker and more organized process for handling disrupted passengers’ claims. Airlines are required to send claim instructions electronically within four days after the completion of the flight. Travelers will have nine months to submit their compensation requests. Carriers must acknowledge receipt of each claim promptly and either pay the owed amount or issue a detailed refusal within 30 days. If refused, the airline must also specify how the passenger can challenge the decision.
Airlines are obliged to provide rerouting options at the earliest possible opportunity, which may involve using another airline or alternative ground transportation transport. If no suitable rerouting is available within three hours, passengers are allowed to arrange their own travel. They can seek reimbursement up to four times the original ticket price. Airlines must offer comparable travel conditions and avoid unnecessary connections. They are also required to reimburse reasonable care expenses within 14 calendar days.
Expanded rights for baggage and seating
All passengers will gain the right to carry one personal item free of charge, such as a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Booking platforms must display fares that include a hand baggage allowance upfront. Airlines can still offer cheaper tickets that exclude this allowance. Carriers are prohibited from canceling a return booking solely because the outbound flight was missed. They also cannot charge passengers for correcting simple spelling errors in names.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to seating together at no extra cost. The rules provide enhanced assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as expanded protections for mobility equipment, pregnant travelers, and unaccompanied minors. These passenger rights cover 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.