BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has given the green light to a comprehensive revision of airline passenger protections, focusing on delays, cancellations, baggage policies, and denied boarding. The legislative process was finalized by the Council of the European Union on July 13, 2026. The European Parliament had previously approved the agreement six days prior. The final vote was 646 in favor, 12 against, with three abstentions. This new regulation represents the most significant overhaul of EU air passenger rights in over twenty years.
Passengers will continue to be entitled to compensation if their flight arrives at the destination more than three hours late. The protections also apply to cancellations announced less than 14 days before scheduled departure. Passengers who are denied boarding can also benefit from these rights. Compensation amounts are set at €250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometres. For longer intra-EU flights and journeys up to 3,500 kilometres, the compensation increases to €400. Eligible longer flights may qualify for payments up to €600.
Airlines can reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes if rerouted passengers arrive within four hours of the original schedule. Claims may be rejected if disruptions are caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, natural disasters, war, unruly passengers, or external strikes. Despite these conditions, airlines are still required to provide care during covered disruptions, including refreshments, meals, internet access, two phone calls, and necessary hotel accommodations.
More transparent claims procedure
The regulation establishes a quicker, more organized process for handling claims from affected travelers. Airlines must send claim instructions electronically within four days after the trip concludes. Passengers will have nine months to file a compensation claim. Airlines are obligated to acknowledge each claim promptly and either pay out or provide a detailed reason for refusal within 30 days. Any refusal must outline how the passenger can challenge the decision.
Airlines are required to offer rerouting at the earliest possible opportunity, which may involve another airline or suitable ground transport. If a suitable alternative isn’t available within three hours, travelers can organize their own journey. They may then request reimbursement up to four times the original ticket price. Airlines must ensure comparable travel conditions, avoid unnecessary connections, and reimburse reasonable care expenses within 14 calendar days.
Expansion of baggage and seating rights
All passengers will have the right to carry one personal item free of charge, which can include a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Booking platforms are now required to display fares that include hand baggage allowances first. Airlines are still permitted to sell cheaper tickets without such allowances. Carriers cannot cancel a return booking solely because the outbound flight was missed, nor can they charge passengers for correcting simple spelling errors in names.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be seated together without additional charges. The rules also enhance assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Protections are extended to mobility equipment, pregnant travelers, and unaccompanied minors. These 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.