Travellers will gain stronger passenger rights in Europe next year as new EU rules require faster refunds on cancelled flights and free plane seats for companions.
The European Union (EU) Parliament gave the green light on Tuesday, 20 October, to update rules that will strengthen the protection of passenger rights across all modes of transport.
EU passenger rights rules apply to any passenger travelling by air, rail, ship, bus and coach across the EU, regardless of their nationality or citizenship.
The Parliament voted almost unanimously in favour (652 votes) of the regulation, with two votes against and eight abstentions.
The updated rules will take effect from 23 October 2027 after the European Council formally approves the regulation.
The new rules tighten the time limit for travellers to receive refunds on cancelled flights booked through intermediaries, such as a travel agent or a booking platform.
Passengers are now entitled to receive a full refund, including intermediary fees, within 14 days of their flight being cancelled.
The airline must transfer the payment to the intermediary within a maximum of seven days, and the intermediary must transfer it to the passenger within a further seven days.
Intermediaries must also make it clear to passengers at the time of booking how the reimbursement arrangements work.
If passengers book directly with an airline, they should receive a refund within seven days, although this rule has long been in place, whereas the updated rules relate specifically to intermediary bookings.
Under the new rules, the EU has also made it clearer and easier for passengers to submit claims for reimbursement or compensation by using a standardised form.
The form will be available on the European Commission’s website in all languages and for all types of travel, or carriers can provide an equivalent form.
The third update centred around improved rights for vulnerable passengers.
People with disabilities or reduced mobility can now bring an accompanying person on a flight free of charge “if their presence is necessary”.
This is already the case for travel by bus, train or ship, but airlines will now have to implement this rule.
The final new regulation relates to enforcing passenger rights rules. The EU said national authorities will be given enhanced powers for investigating possible breaches of passenger rights.
They will be able to proactively initiate audits, inspections or interviews of carriers, not only after receiving passenger complaints.
Italian MEP and member of the Committee on Transport and Tourism Matteo Ricci said this regulation is “prioritising the rights of our citizens over the profits of airlines”.
He added: “Travelling is part of our lives. Whether we catch a train to work, a bus for a trip, a plane to return home, or a ferry for holiday, we all share these journeys as passengers. This legislation will improve the protection these travellers receive.”
Read more: Cancelled or delayed flights – what are my rights to a refund?
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