The European Union is introducing a landmark reform of air passenger rights, with a new package of measures set to take effect in mid-2027. The new rules significantly strengthen protections for travelers, including free seat assignments for families with children, simplified compensation procedures for delays and cancellations, and greater transparency in airline ticket pricing.
The reforms, which have already received approval from the European Parliament, will apply to all departures from EU airports, as well as to arrivals when the flight is operated by an airline headquartered in an EU member state.
What are the new rules for air travel in Europe?
– Children under 14 will have the right to sit next to their parents or guardians at no extra charge for seat selection.
– Pregnant women and passengers with reduced mobility will also be able to sit next to their companion without any additional seat selection fee.
– Airlines will be required to correct any misspelling in a passenger’s name on their ticket, free of charge.
– Airlines will also be required to provide free printed boarding passes to passengers who have completed check-in.
– Airlines, intermediaries, and booking platforms will be required to display the final ticket price upfront — including carry-on baggage — to make price comparisons easier.
– Passengers who do not use the outbound leg of a return ticket will be able to use their return flight as normal, without any penalty or additional charge.
– Passengers who, due to the airline’s fault, are seated in a lower class than they originally booked will automatically receive the applicable refund.
– Clearer rules on flight delays and cancellations
The rules on passenger compensation for flight delays or cancellations remain broadly unchanged. Passengers are still entitled to compensation when a flight is delayed by at least three hours and the airline is at fault.
However, airlines will not be held liable for incidents caused by:
– disruptive or aggressive passenger behavior,
– adverse weather conditions,
– natural disasters,
– strikes by airport staff or ground handling services.
At the same time, the compensation claims process is being simplified and passenger rights in cases of travel disruption are being clarified.
The new regulations provide for the following:
– Passengers must receive written notification of their rights within 96 hours of completing their journey.
– They will have a nine-month window to submit a compensation claim.
– Airlines will be required to pay the compensation or provide a written explanation for rejecting the claim within 30 calendar days.
In the event of travel disruption, passengers will be entitled to:
– a soft drink or other beverage after two hours of waiting,
– a meal after three hours,
– additional meals every five hours thereafter (up to a maximum of three meals per day),
– free hotel accommodation when required, as well as free transportation to and from the accommodation.
The new rules are expected to enter into force in mid-2027.
