EU approves sweeping air passenger rights reforms; free family seating, easier refunds from 2027

The Council of the European Union has formally approved a major package of reforms aimed at strengthening air passenger rights across the bloc, with the new rules set to take effect in mid-2027.

The reforms, which had already received the European Parliament’s backing, will apply to all flights departing from EU airports and to flights arriving in the EU when operated by an EU-based airline.

Key changes for passengers

Under the new rules:

• Children under 14 will be entitled to sit next to their parents or guardians without paying seat reservation fees.
• Pregnant passengers and people with reduced mobility will also be able to sit beside a travel companion free of charge.
• Airlines must correct spelling mistakes in passenger names on tickets at no extra cost.
• Checked-in passengers will be entitled to free printed boarding passes.
• Airlines and booking platforms must display ticket prices, including cabin baggage costs, by default to make fare comparisons easier.
• Travelers who miss the outbound leg of a return journey will still be allowed to board the return flight without penalties.
• Passengers downgraded to a lower cabin class than booked will receive automatic refunds.

Clearer compensation and disruption rules

The reforms largely retain existing compensation rules for delayed and cancelled flights. Passengers will continue to be eligible for compensation if their flight is delayed by at least three hours and the airline is responsible.

Airlines will not be liable for compensation in cases involving extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, natural disasters, unruly passengers or strikes by airport and ground-handling staff.

The new rules also simplify the claims process:

• Airlines must provide passengers with written information about their rights within 96 hours after their journey ends.
• Passengers will have nine months to submit a compensation claim.
• Airlines must either pay compensation or explain a rejection within 30 days.

Right to care during delays

Passengers affected by major disruptions will also receive clearer assistance, including:

• Refreshments after two hours.
• A meal after three hours.
• Additional meals every five hours, up to three meals a day.
• Free hotel accommodation, where required, along with transport between the airport and the hotel.

The reforms are designed to make air travel across Europe more transparent, improve passenger protections and streamline compensation procedures when flights are disrupted.