Key facts
- The European Council has given final approval to new EU air passenger rights.
- Airlines have 12 months to implement the updated regulations.
- The new rules are expected to be effective from mid-2027.
- Compensation for delays and cancellations remains largely the same.
- The claims process has been streamlined with new timelines for airlines and passengers.
- New protections include free personal items, upfront pricing with carry-on included, protected return flights, and free family seating for children under 14.
The European Council has officially approved a significant overhaul of air passenger rights across the European Union, setting a 12-month timeline for airlines to implement the new regulations. This final endorsement follows a substantial vote in the European Parliament, paving the way for the rules to take effect around mid-2027.
While core compensation amounts for flight cancellations and denied boarding remain consistent, with payouts of €250, €400, or €600 depending on flight distance after a three-hour delay or with less than 14 days' notice, the claims process has been substantially revised. Airlines must now inform passengers how to claim within four days of a trip, and passengers have nine months to submit their claims using standardized EU forms. Airlines are then given 30 days to process payments or provide justification for refusal.
Consumer groups estimate that airlines are currently holding approximately €3.2 billion in unclaimed compensation. Beyond the claims process, the new legislation mandates that airlines must include the cost of carry-on luggage in upfront pricing and provide a free personal item for every ticket. Additionally, return flights are now protected, and airlines must offer free family seating for children under 14 years old.