BRUSSELS — The Council of the European Union on Monday formally approved a package of reforms expanding air passenger rights, with the new rules set to take effect in mid-2027.
The measures, which had already been approved by the European Parliament, will apply to all flights departing from European Union airports and to flights arriving in the bloc if operated by an EU-based airline.
Under the new rules, children younger than 14 will be allowed to sit beside their parents without paying seat reservation fees. The same benefit will apply to pregnant passengers and people with reduced mobility traveling with a companion.
Airlines will also be required to correct spelling errors in passenger names free of charge, provide printed boarding passes at no extra cost to checked-in passengers, and display fares that include cabin baggage by default to make price comparisons easier.
Passengers who miss the outbound leg of a round-trip ticket will still be allowed to use their return flight without penalty. Travelers downgraded to a lower class than booked will automatically receive a refund.
Compensation rules for delayed or canceled flights will remain largely unchanged. Passengers will continue to be eligible for compensation if their flight is delayed by at least three hours and the airline is responsible.
The reforms also clarify that airlines are not liable for disruptions caused by severe weather, natural disasters, unruly passengers, or strikes involving airport or ground-handling staff.
Under the updated rules, airlines must provide passengers with written information about their rights within 96 hours after the end of their journey. Travelers will have nine months to file a compensation claim, while airlines must either pay compensation or explain why a claim was denied within 30 calendar days.
During travel disruptions, passengers will be entitled to refreshments after two hours, a meal after three hours, additional meals every five hours thereafter—up to three meals per day—and hotel accommodation with transportation if an overnight stay is required.
