The Council of the European Union formally approved a package of reforms on August 3 that enhance air passenger rights across the bloc [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. These new rules, already approved by the European Parliament, apply to all flights departing EU airports and to arrivals operated by EU-based airlines [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

The reforms introduce several consumer-friendly changes. Children under 14 will have the right to sit next to their parents without paying seat reservation fees. Pregnant passengers and those with reduced mobility are also entitled to sit next to a travel companion without extra charge [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Airlines must correct false spellings of passenger names on tickets free of charge and provide printed boarding passes for checked-in passengers at no cost [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

To improve price transparency, airlines, intermediaries, and booking platforms must display fares including cabin baggage fees by default [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Passengers who miss the outbound leg of a return ticket can still take the return flight without penalty, while those downgraded to a lower class will automatically receive refunds of the fare difference [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

Rules on compensation for flight delays or cancellations mostly remain unchanged. Passengers qualify for compensation if a delay exceeds three hours and the airline is at fault. Airlines are not responsible for delays or cancellations caused by unruly passengers, weather, natural disasters, or strikes by airport or ground staff [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

The claims process will be simplified and clarified. Passengers must be informed in writing about their rights within 96 hours after travel. They have nine months to file compensation claims, and airlines must settle or reject claims within 30 calendar days [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

During delays, passengers are entitled to refreshments after two hours and meals after three hours, with up to three meals provided per day at five-hour intervals. If necessary, free hotel accommodation with transport will also be offered [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].

The new EU air passenger rights regulations will come into force in mid-2027 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6].