BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has approved a comprehensive overhaul of 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, following approval by the European Parliament six days earlier. The vote concluded with 646 votes in favor, 12 against, and three abstentions. This new regulation represents the most significant update to EU air travel protections in over twenty years.
Passengers will continue to have rights to compensation if their flights arrive at their destination more than three hours late. These protections also extend to cancellations announced less than 14 days prior to departure. Passengers who are denied boarding are also covered under the same provisions. Compensation remains €250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometres, increasing to €400 for longer intra-EU routes and journeys up to 3,500 kilometres. For eligible longer flights, compensation can be as high as €600.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes if rerouted passengers arrive within four hours of the original schedule. They can also deny claims if extraordinary circumstances caused the disruption, including severe weather, natural disasters, war, unruly passengers, and some external strikes. Despite these exceptions, carriers must still provide care during covered disruptions, including refreshments, meals, internet access, two phone calls, and hotel accommodations when necessary.
Streamlined Claims Procedure
The new regulation establishes a clearer and more efficient process for handling claims from affected travelers. Airlines are required to send claim instructions electronically within four days after the flight’s completion. Passengers will have a nine-month window to submit their compensation requests. Airlines must acknowledge each claim promptly and either pay the compensation or issue a detailed refusal within 30 days. If a claim is rejected, the airline must explain how the passenger can challenge the decision.
Carriers are obliged to provide rerouting via the earliest available option, which may include another airline or suitable ground transportation transport. If no appropriate alternative arrives within three hours, passengers are entitled to organize their own journey. They can also request reimbursement up to four times the original ticket price. Airlines must offer comparable travel conditions, avoid unnecessary connections, and reimburse reasonable care expenses within 14 calendar days.
Expanded Baggage and Seating Rights
All passengers will have the right to carry one personal item without additional charge, such as a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Booking platforms must display fares that include a hand baggage allowance upfront. Airlines may still sell cheaper tickets without this allowance. Carriers cannot cancel a return reservation solely because the outbound flight was missed, nor can they charge passengers for correcting simple spelling errors in their names.
Families with children under 14 will be provided with seats together at no extra cost. The rules also reinforce assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, as well as expand protections for mobility equipment, pregnant travelers, and unaccompanied minors. These passenger rights apply to flights within the EU, 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.