Air passenger rights, new EU rules: more protections on refunds

Faster compensation for flights delayed by more than 3 hours, free seating for children next to their parents, and carry-on luggage included.

These are some of the new features included in the amendments to the Regulation on Air Passenger Rights, agreed with the Council of the EU at the Conciliation Committee, and whose final approval was given today in the plenary session in Strasbourg. The amendments to the regulation, which have not been updated since 2004, received 646 votes in favor, 12 against, and 3 abstentions in the plenary session. The provisional agreement must now also be confirmed by the Council by early August.

Following the EU Council's green light, the updated rules will enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. From that moment, the Twenty-seven and airlines will have a year to prepare for implementation.

With today's vote, the European Parliament confirmed the right of air passengers to claim compensation in the event of delays of more than 3 hours, flight cancellations less than 14 days in advance, or denied boarding. Reimbursements start at €250 for journeys up to 1,500 km and go up to €600 for longer distances.

Airlines, however, will not be required to refund travellers if cancellations or delays are caused by events that are "beyond their control", such as natural disasters, wars, weather conditions, unruly passengers or strikes at the airport management company.

Travelers are also granted nine months to submit compensation claims, while airlines will have a 30-day window to pay out refunds . Among the new measures approved by the Chamber is the right to carry carry-on luggage on board aircraft at no additional cost, although airlines will be permitted to offer lower fares to those traveling without small bags or backpacks. Finally, MEPs also approved greater protection for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, including airline assistance in the event of a missed flight due to airport delays in escorting passengers to the gate.