New Rights for Air Passengers

In a significant development on June 15, 2026, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement to update air passenger rights, which had not been revised since 2004. This agreement, pending approval by both institutions, promises substantial improvements to the rights of air travelers across Europe.

The revised rules maintain compensation for passengers experiencing delays of over three hours or cancellations within 14 days of departure. Additionally, passengers will also be entitled to compensation if denied boarding. The compensation amounts are set at €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km, and €600 for longer routes. Moreover, airlines can reduce the compensation by 50% if an alternative routing with a delay of no more than four hours is provided.

Furthermore, the new regulations introduce a series of passenger-friendly provisions. Airlines will be required to provide detailed instructions for claiming compensation electronically within four days of the travel disruption. Passengers will have nine months to submit their claims, while airlines have 30 days to process these claims or explain any denial. The agreement also ensures that children under 14 years are seated next to their accompanying adults without additional charges and mandates that air fares displayed online include charges for hand luggage.

The update also benefits passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility by ensuring they receive compensation and assistance if they miss their flight due to the airport’s failure to assist them timely. The agreement includes provisions for pregnant women and ensures that any spelling mistakes in names on tickets can be corrected without extra fees. Additionally, it mandates that all passengers have the right to carry a personal item on board without additional charges.

The European Parliament is expected to vote on this agreement during its July plenary session. If ratified, these changes will mark a significant step forward in consumer protection for air travelers in Europe, enhancing transparency and reducing the burden on passengers when travel plans go awry.