BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has given the green light to a comprehensive revision 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. The European Parliament had approved the agreement six days earlier. The vote concluded with 646 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 the right to compensation if their flights arrive more than three hours late. This protection also applies to cancellations announced less than 14 days before departure. Passengers who are denied boarding can also qualify under the same framework. Compensation amounts are 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. For qualifying longer flights, passengers can receive up to €600.
Airlines may reduce compensation by half for the longest routes if rerouted passengers arrive within four hours of the scheduled time. Carriers are permitted to deny claims if extraordinary circumstances caused the disruption, such as severe weather, natural disasters, war, unruly passengers, or external strikes. Despite this, airlines are still required to provide care during covered disruptions, including refreshments, meals, internet access, two phone calls, and hotel accommodations if necessary.
Improved Claims Procedures
The regulation establishes a more streamlined and transparent claims process for affected travelers. Airlines must send claim instructions electronically within four days after the flight concludes. Passengers will have nine months to submit their compensation requests. Airlines are obliged to acknowledge each claim promptly and to either pay the compensation or issue a detailed refusal within 30 days. If refused, the airline must explain how the passenger can challenge the decision.
Carriers are required to provide rerouting options at the earliest possible time, which may include using another airline or alternative ground transport. If suitable options are unavailable within three hours, passengers are entitled to arrange their own alternative journey. They can request reimbursement of up to four times the original ticket price. Airlines must offer comparable travel conditions and avoid unnecessary connections. Additionally, they are responsible for reimbursing reasonable care expenses within 14 calendar days.
Enhanced 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 inclusive of hand baggage allowances. Airlines are still permitted to offer cheaper tickets that exclude this allowance. Carriers cannot cancel a return booking solely because the outbound flight was missed, nor can they impose charges for correcting simple spelling errors in passenger names.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be entitled to seated together without extra fees. The new rules also strengthen assistance provisions for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Protections are expanded 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 come into effect 12 months and 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.