BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has ratified a comprehensive update to airline passenger rights, encompassing delays, cancellations, baggage issues, and denied boarding. The legislative process was finalized by the Council of the European Union on July 13, 2026, following approval by the European Parliament six days prior. The vote concluded with 646 in favor, 12 against, and three abstentions. This regulation represents the most significant overhaul of EU air travel protections in over twenty years.
Passengers will continue to be entitled to compensation if their flights arrive more than three hours behind schedule. The new rules also safeguard travelers from cancellations made less than 14 days before departure. Passengers who are denied boarding are covered under the same framework. Compensation remains at €250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometres, increases to €400 for longer intra-EU routes and journeys up to 3,500 kilometres, and can reach €600 for eligible longer flights.
Airlines have the option to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes if rerouted passengers arrive within four hours of the original schedule. They can deny claims if extraordinary circumstances caused the disruption, including severe weather, natural disasters, war, unruly passengers, and some external strikes. Nonetheless, carriers must still provide assistance during covered disruptions, including refreshments, meals, internet access, two telephone calls, and necessary hotel accommodations.
Improved claims process clarity
The regulation establishes a more efficient and transparent claims procedure for affected travelers. Airlines are required to send claim instructions electronically within four days after the flight concludes. Passengers will have nine months to submit their compensation requests. Airlines must acknowledge each claim promptly and either pay the owed amount or issue a detailed refusal within 30 days. Any refusal must also include instructions on how the passenger can challenge the decision.
Carriers must prioritize rerouting at the earliest available opportunity, which may involve using another airline or ground transport. If no suitable alternative arrives within three hours, passengers are permitted to organize their own travel. They can seek reimbursement up to four times the original ticket cost. Airlines are obliged to offer comparable travel conditions and avoid unnecessary connections, as well as reimburse reasonable care expenses within 14 calendar days.
Enhancements to baggage and seating rights
All passengers will have the right to carry one personal item free of charge, which could include a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Booking platforms must display fares inclusive of hand baggage allowances upfront. Airlines may still offer cheaper tickets without such allowances. Additionally, 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 granted seats together at no extra cost. The regulations also reinforce support for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, and extend protections for mobility equipment, pregnant travelers, and unaccompanied minors. These rights apply to flights within the EU, departures from EU airports, and arrivals operated by EU-based airlines. The regulation will come into effect 12 months and 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.