EU adopts new 2027 passenger‑rights rules for airline travelers

The European Parliament and Council approved a reform of EU air‑passenger rights after more than 13 years of negotiations. The Parliament adopted the compromise on 7 July with 646 votes in favour and 12 against, and the Council approved it on 13 July. The new rules will take effect in mid‑2027.

Key provisions include compensation of €250‑€600 for flights delayed three hours or more, depending on distance, and the same compensation for cancelled flights if passengers are informed less than 14 days before departure. Additional rights give children under 14 a free seat beside a parent, free seats for passengers with reduced mobility and their companions, and free correction of spelling errors on tickets. Airlines must display the price of hand‑luggage together with the base fare, prohibit “no‑show” penalties, and provide clearer definitions of extraordinary circumstances (e.g., severe weather, natural disasters, strikes). Carriers must inform passengers of their rights within 96 hours after travel, allow claims for up to nine months, and settle compensation within 30 days. An optional EU certification may later be introduced to demonstrate compliance.