The EU Is Radically Changing Air Travel Rules: What Passengers Can Expect Starting in 2027
14 July 10:10
The Council of the European Union has finalized a sweeping reform of air passenger regulations, which will mark the most significant update to legislation in this area in more than two decades. The new rules provide for free seating for children next to their parents, more transparent baggage rules, a simplified process for obtaining compensation, and a number of other changes.
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing the European Parliament.
The new rules are expected to take effect in mid-2027, once all implementation procedures in EU countries have been completed.
Which flights are subject to the new rules
The new requirements will apply to:
- all flights departing from airports in European Union countries;
- to flights arriving in the EU, if they are operated by an airline registered in an EU member state.
Children will sit next to their parents at no extra charge
One of the most important changes will be the ban on charging extra fees for adjacent seats for children.
Under the new rules:
- children under 14 will have the right to sit next to their parents or accompanying adults at no extra charge;
- passengers with disabilities or limited mobility will have the same right if they are traveling with an accompanying person;
- specific guarantees are also provided for pregnant women.
Airlines will correct errors on tickets free of charge
The new rules also include a number of changes that will simplify the travel booking process.
In particular, carriers will be required to:
- correct spelling errors in passengers’ names free of charge;
- issue a paper boarding pass free of charge after online check-in;
- clearly inform passengers of all their rights.
Carry-on baggage fees will become more transparent
The EU is also tightening requirements regarding informing passengers about the actual cost of a flight.
Airlines and booking services will be required to immediately display:
- the full ticket price;
- information on carry-on baggage;
- the final price with no hidden fees.
Return tickets will no longer be canceled
An important change affects passengers who did not take the first leg of their trip.
From now on, airlines will not be allowed to automatically cancel a return ticket simply because the first flight was missed.
Passengers will also receive an automatic refund if they are downgraded to a lower class of service without their consent.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
How compensation for flight delays will change
The basic rules for compensation remain in effect.
As before, a passenger will be entitled to compensation if:
- the flight is delayed by more than three hours;
- the cancellation was the airline’s fault.
However, the carrier will not be liable in the following cases:
- extreme weather conditions;
- natural disasters;
- strikes by airport staff;
- other extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline’s control.
The compensation process will be simplified
The new rules also establish clear deadlines.
Airlines will be required to:
- notify passengers in writing of their rights within 96 hours after the end of the trip;
- accept compensation claims for up to 9 months;
- pay compensation or provide a reasoned refusal no later than 30 calendar days.
What else will passengers be entitled to?
In the event of a flight delay, the airline must provide:
- refreshments after two hours of waiting;
- meals after three hours;
- additional meals every five hours (up to three times a day);
- free hotel accommodations, if necessary;
- transportation between the airport and the place of accommodation.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
