Air travel with family will soon become simpler and cheaper, and getting compensation for a delayed flight will be a less bureaucratic process. The EU Council has finally approved a package of new rules to protect air passenger rights, which address long-standing problems, especially for low-cost flights.
This is the first major update to the legislation in this area since 2004. The new rules will affect the compensation process, baggage rules, and, most importantly for families, seat assignments on the plane. The rules are expected to take effect from mid-2027.
What will change for passengers?
The main goal of the reform is to make travel more transparent and protect the rights of airline customers. Previously, passengers often faced hidden fees and difficulties when trying to get compensation.
Key innovations:
Free seats for children. Airlines will no longer be able to charge extra for children under 14 to sit next to their parents or guardians. This rule also applies to pregnant women and people with reduced mobility traveling with an escort.
Simplified compensation process. The process for claiming compensation for flight delays or cancellations will become much simpler. Airlines will be required to provide clear instructions and forms to fill out.
Price transparency. Carriers and booking services will have to show the final ticket price immediately, which includes the transport of standard hand luggage. This will allow passengers to compare prices more easily.
Ban on canceling return tickets. The common practice where an airline canceled a return ticket if a passenger did not use the first flight (outbound) will be prohibited.
Free corrections and printing. Airlines will be required to correct minor errors in a passenger's name on the ticket for free and print boarding passes at the airport at no extra charge for those who have already checked in online.
Compensation: how it will work in practice
Although the compensation amounts remain unchanged (from €250 to €600 depending on the flight distance and length of delay), the process of obtaining them will change significantly in favor of the passenger.
New deadlines and airline obligations
According to the new rules, if a flight is delayed or canceled, the airline must:
Inform about rights. Within 96 hours (4 days) after the flight's arrival, the carrier must send the passenger an email with information about their rights and instructions on how to apply for compensation.
Provide time to submit a claim. The passenger will have nine months to submit their claim.
Pay or provide a refusal. The airline must pay compensation or provide a reasoned refusal within 30 calendar days of receiving the claim.
Rules for passenger care during long delays are also being strengthened. They are entitled to drinks every two hours of waiting, food after three hours, and, if necessary, free hotel accommodation with transfers.
When will the new rules take effect?
The EU Council finally approved the reform on July 13, 2026. After publication in the Official Journal of the EU, a transition period will begin to allow airlines and member states to adapt their systems. The new rules are expected to fully apply to passengers from mid-2027.
These changes will apply to all flights departing from airports in the European Union, as well as flights to the EU operated by European airlines.
