Air passengers' rights: Airlines have 12 months to adopt new rules

The Council’s approval on 13 July followed a European Parliament vote of 646 to 12 on 7 July, formally paving the way for the new legislation’s adoption. With the 12-month grace period, the rules are expected to take effect from mid-2027.

The core numbers remain the same, with compensation still applying after a three-hour delay for cancellations with under 14 days’ notice or for denied boarding, with payouts of €250, €400, or €600 depending on distance. Airlines can still refuse to pay for disruptions beyond their control. Parliament’s main achievement was stopping the Council from raising delay thresholds and cutting payouts.

What’s new is the claims process. Airlines must now explain how to claim within four days of a trip, passengers get nine months to file using standard EU forms, and airlines have 30 days to pay or justify a refusal. Consumer group BEUC estimates airlines are sitting on roughly €3.2 billion in unclaimed compensation.

Other changes: a free personal item on every ticket, upfront pricing with carry-on included, protected return flights, and free family seating for children under 14.

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