EU Approves New Passenger Rights Package for Air Travel Set to Take Effect in 2027

The European Union has officially approved a comprehensive package of reforms aimed at enhancing air travel passenger rights. This decision, made by the Council of the European Union on Monday, follows prior approval from the European Parliament and is set to be implemented by mid-2027. The new regulations will impact all flights departing from EU airports and those arriving if operated by EU-based airlines.

Key Changes to Air Travel Passenger Rights

The new rules introduce several significant changes designed to protect passengers. One notable reform is that children under 14 will now have the right to sit next to their parents without incurring seat reservation fees. Additionally, pregnant travelers and individuals with reduced mobility will also be able to sit next to a travel companion without additional charges.

Other important changes include:

• Airlines must correct any misspellings of passenger names on tickets at no cost.
• Printed boarding passes must be provided to checked-in passengers without extra fees.
• All fares displayed by airlines and booking platforms must include cabin baggage by default.
• Passengers missing their outbound leg can still take the return flight without penalty.
• Automatic refunds will be issued if passengers are forced to travel in a lower class than booked.

Clarifications on Flight Disruptions

While rules regarding compensation for delayed or canceled flights will largely remain unchanged, the new reforms aim to make the process of claiming compensation clearer. Passengers are still entitled to a refund if their flight is at least three hours late, provided the airline is at fault. However, airlines will not be held responsible for delays caused by unruly passengers, weather events, natural disasters, or strikes.

Under the revised regulations, airlines must provide passengers with written information about their rights within 96 hours of the end of their journey. Passengers will have nine months to submit a claim, and airlines must respond within 30 calendar days by either paying compensation or providing a valid explanation for refusal.

Passenger Entitlements During Travel Disruptions

The new reforms also detail what passengers are entitled to in case of travel disruptions, including:

1. A refreshment after two hours of delay.
2. A meal after three hours.
3. Meals every five hours thereafter (up to three meals per day).
4. Free accommodation and transportation to and from the hotel if necessary.

These enhancements to air travel passenger rights are part of the EU's ongoing commitment to improving the travel experience for all passengers, ensuring fairness and clarity in airline operations.