Disrupted Airline Passengers Get More Perks After EU Makes Crucial Rule Changes

The European Union has approved a major overhaul of air passenger rights, strengthening protections when flights are delayed, canceled or disrupted. The new framework also introduces changes covering compensation claims, fare transparency, family seating and rerouting.

The Council of the EU gave final approval on July 13, 2026. The revised rules will enter into force 12 months and 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.

Cyprus Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said the agreement would provide "certainty, fairness and stronger protection for millions of European air passengers."

Compensation Rules Remain

The three-hour threshold for compensation on qualifying flights will remain.

Compensation stays at €250 for journeys of up to 1,500 kilometers, €400 for intra-EU flights and journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, and €600 for longer qualifying flights arriving more than three hours late.

Airlines can be exempt when an extraordinary circumstance directly caused the disruption, but they must substantiate the reason when rejecting a claim.

Claims must be acknowledged immediately, with airlines required to pay valid compensation or explain a refusal within 30 days. The updated compensation and claims process also gives people nine months to request compensation.

More Help During Disruptions

The revised framework sets clearer requirements when a flight disruption leaves people waiting for hours.

Airlines must provide refreshments every two hours, a meal after three hours and further meals every five hours, up to three meals per day. Two phone calls, emails or other forms of communication must also be available.

When an overnight stay becomes necessary, hotel accommodation and transport between the airport and hotel must be provided. Rerouting is also strengthened: someone choosing the earliest available alternative after a cancellation or denied boarding must be offered a suitable route within three hours.

When that does not happen, the traveler can arrange an alternative journey and seek reimbursement of up to 400% of the original ticket price.

The new rerouting protections also allow reimbursement of eligible self-arranged travel within 14 days.

Baggage and Family Seating

The reforms also change how fares are presented during booking. Airlines and booking platforms will have to display a fare with hand baggage included before the booking process begins, making price comparisons easier. A common minimum personal-item size of 40 by 30 by 15 centimeters will also apply, although airlines can still offer fares without hand baggage.

Children under 14 must be seated with an accompanying adult without an additional fee. Similar protections apply to people with disabilities or reduced mobility and those accompanying them.

The rules also prevent airlines from canceling a return flight solely because someone did not take the outbound leg.

The changes preserve much of the existing compensation system while adding clearer obligations around claims, rerouting, fare information and assistance when flights go wrong.

This story was originally published by TravelHost on Aug 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.