EU gives clearance for new air passenger rights

European Union ministers have formally signed off a new package of air passenger rights that will apply to all departures from airports in the bloc, and to arrivals on EU-based airlines.

Backed earlier by the European Parliament, the new rules will take effect in the middle of 2027 and expand protections for families and passengers with disabilities, reported the DPA news service.

Among changes, the reforms mean children under the age of 14 will be allowed to sit next to a parent without paying seat-selection fees. The same guarantee will also apply to pregnant passengers and travelers with reduced mobility, when accompanied by a companion.

On Monday, the EU stated: "Today, the council gave its final green light on a new law aiming at simplifying, clarifying and strengthening air passenger rights. The new framework reinforces passenger protection while ensuring a fair balance with airlines' operational realities. It also helps preserve connectivity across the EU and maintain a level playing field for airlines.

"The new rules strengthen passengers' rights by improving compensation, assistance, information, communication with airlines, and rerouting in cases of cancellation and delay. The rules also clarify the definition of extraordinary circumstances and make it easier for passengers to exercise their rights."

Other changes include a requirement for airlines to correct misspelled passenger names free of charge and provide printed boarding passes to checked-in passengers at no extra cost.

Fares displayed by airlines, intermediaries, and booking platforms must include cabin baggage by default, to make price comparisons straightforward. Carriers may still offer cheaper tickets to travelers who opt to fly without larger carry-on bags.

The changes mean passengers who miss the outbound leg of a return ticket may still take the return flight without a penalty, and anyone downgraded to a lower class than the one they booked will receive an automatic refund. The rules on compensation for delays and cancellations remain largely unchanged.

Passengers will continue to qualify for compensation when a flight is delayed by at least three hours, with payouts of 250 euros, 400 euros, or 600 euros ($285, $457, or $685), depending on the distance flown.

The same thresholds apply to cancellations announced less than 14 days before departure, provided the disruption is within the airline's control.

Other elements of the reforms highlight that carriers are not considered at fault for incidents involving unruly passengers, adverse weather, natural disasters, or strikes by airport or ground-handling workers.

The new rules also clarify expected passenger care during travel disruptions, including refreshments after two hours, a meal after three hours, additional meals every five hours thereafter and up to three per day, and, where necessary, free hotel accommodation plus transport to and from the lodgings.

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