BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – The European Union has given the green light to a comprehensive overhaul of air passenger rights, addressing delays, cancellations, baggage issues, and denied boarding. The EU Council finalized the legislative process on July 13, 2026, following approval by the European Parliament six days earlier. The vote was 646 in favor, 12 against, with three abstentions. This regulation represents the most significant update to EU air travel protections in over twenty years.
Passengers will continue to be entitled to compensation if their flights arrive more than three hours late. The new rules also safeguard travellers in cases of cancellations announced less than 14 days before departure. Denied boarding claims are included under the same protections. Compensation will be €250 for flights up to 1,500 kilometres, increasing to €400 for longer intra-EU flights and journeys up to 3,500 kilometres. For eligible longer routes, payments can reach €600.
Airlines are permitted to reduce compensation by 50% on the longest routes if rerouted passengers arrive within four hours of the scheduled time. They can also refuse claims if the disruption was caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, natural disasters, war, unruly passengers, or certain external strikes. Nevertheless, airlines must continue to provide assistance during covered delays or cancellations, including refreshments, meals, internet access, two phone calls, and hotel accommodation if necessary.
Streamlined Claims Procedure
A new regulation introduces a more efficient and transparent process for handling claims related to travel disruptions. Airlines are required to send claim instructions electronically within four days after the flight. Passengers have a nine-month window to submit their compensation requests. Airlines must acknowledge each claim promptly and either pay the amount or issue a detailed refusal within 30 days. The refusal must include guidance on how to challenge the decision.
Whenever possible, airlines must arrange rerouting at the earliest opportunity, which can include using another carrier or suitable ground transportation transport. If no suitable option is available within three hours, passengers are entitled to organize their own journey and request reimbursement up to four times the original ticket price. Airlines are required to provide comparable travel conditions and avoid unnecessary connections. They must also reimburse reasonable care expenses within 14 calendar days.
Expansion of Baggage and Seating Rights
All passengers will now have the right to carry a single personal item free of charge, such as a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag. Booking platforms must prominently display fares that include a hand baggage allowance. Airlines can still sell cheaper tickets without this allowance. Additionally, carriers cannot cancel a return flight solely because the outbound flight was missed, nor can they impose charges for correcting minor spelling errors in passenger names.
Families traveling with children under 14 will be provided with adjacent seating at no extra cost. The new rules also bolster assistance for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Protections for mobility equipment, pregnant travelers, and unaccompanied minors are expanded. These passenger rights apply to flights within the EU, all 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.