EU plans sweeping changes to air passenger rights from 2027
New European Union rules on air passenger rights are scheduled to take effect on October 23, 2027, introducing changes covering baggage, flight delays, cancellations, refunds and assistance for passengers with disabilities.
The new Regulation 2202/2026, following 13 years of negotiations, aims to strengthen passenger protections and establish clearer obligations for airlines.
The rules will apply to flights departing from EU airports regardless of the airline’s nationality, as well as flights arriving in the EU operated by European carriers.
Free personal items and boarding passes
Passengers will be entitled to carry one free personal item measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15 centimetres, alongside food and drink.
Airlines will also have to display fares that include a wheeled cabin bag before passengers make their booking. Carriers will not be allowed to charge passengers when cabin baggage must be placed in the hold because overhead storage compartments are full.
Printed boarding passes must remain free, and passengers cannot be forced to use an airline’s app or create an online account to access essential services.
A single correction of a passenger’s name will also be free if requested at least 48 hours before departure.
Compensation for delays and cancellations
Under the new provisions, passengers facing delays of more than three hours may qualify for compensation of €250, €400 or €600, depending on flight distance, unless extraordinary circumstances apply.
Passengers will be able to cancel their journey and receive a full refund if a delay exceeds five hours.
For cancellations announced less than 14 days before departure, passengers will be entitled to choose between a refund and rerouting, with compensation also available where applicable.
Airlines must issue refunds within seven days. If a carrier fails to offer an alternative journey within three hours, passengers may arrange their own travel and claim reimbursement of up to 400% of the original fare, according to the published summary of the regulation.
Airlines will not be allowed to impose vouchers instead of monetary refunds.
Meals, accommodation and assistance
Airlines will be required to provide meals, internet access and two phone calls during qualifying disruptions. Hotel accommodation and transfers must also be provided when necessary.
Passengers will not be allowed to remain on a grounded aircraft for more than two hours, while airports must provide free drinking water and facilities for charging electronic devices.
For missed connections covered by a single booking, airlines must arrange alternative travel. If no solution is found within five hours, passengers will be entitled to a refund.
Travellers purchasing separate tickets must be warned that the same connection protections may not apply.
Stronger protections for families and disabled passengers
Children under 14 and passengers with disabilities will be entitled to sit next to their accompanying travellers free of charge.
Strollers will be transported free of charge to the aircraft door, while lost or damaged mobility aids will qualify for full compensation.
Passengers placed in a lower cabin class than the one they booked will be entitled to a refund of between 30% and 75% of the ticket price, depending on the circumstances.
Passengers denied boarding because of overbooking will be entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, alongside a refund or an alternative flight.
Clearer deadlines for claims
The rules will establish specific deadlines for baggage complaints. Damaged luggage must be reported within seven days, while delayed baggage must be reported within 21 days.
Airlines will also have to inform passengers about potential compensation within 96 hours of their journey.
Passengers will have up to nine months to submit claims, and airlines must either pay the amount due or explain why a claim has been rejected within 30 days.
Free customer service channels will be mandatory, preventing airlines from requiring paid telephone lines, apps or online accounts for essential assistance.
Changes scheduled for October 2027
The planned reform would establish a more consistent framework for air passenger rights across the EU, covering everything from baggage allowances and disruption compensation to family seating and accessible travel.
Passengers should check the final legal text and implementation guidance before relying on individual provisions, particularly compensation thresholds and reimbursement procedures, as the new rules are scheduled to take effect in October 2027.
Source:tovima
