European Parliament approves new air passenger rights: free family seating, clearer compensation rules

Compensation rules preserved

The Parliament approved the reform with 646 votes in favour, 12 against and 3 abstentions, after years of negotiations with member states. The core compensation framework for delays and cancellations remains unchanged, despite earlier pressure from EU governments and the Commission to raise the delay threshold and lower payouts. Passengers can still claim a flat-rate compensation when their flight arrives at least three hours late, provided the airline is at fault. The amounts are €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights up to 3,500 km, and €600 for longer journeys beyond 3,500 km when the flight is not entirely within the EU. The same scale applies to cancellations made less than 14 days before departure.

Airlines are not liable for delays or cancellations caused by extraordinary circumstances. The new rules list unruly passengers, weather, natural disasters and strikes by airport or ground-handling staff as such circumstances. A strike by the airline’s own employees, however, does not qualify.

New rights for families and re-routing

Parents will be able to reserve seats next to their children at no extra cost, a practice some low-cost carriers had charged for until recently. Ticket prices must be displayed transparently, and airlines will have to offer a fare with and without additional hand luggage at the time of booking, though a uniform cabin bag size was not adopted.

When a flight is disrupted, carriers must offer alternative transport within three hours. The rerouting can involve a different airport near the destination, a different route, another airline or even rail, as long as conditions are comparable. A passenger who booked a direct flight cannot be forced onto multiple connections. If the airline fails to provide a suitable alternative within the deadline, travellers can arrange their own onward journey and the carrier must reimburse up to 400 percent of the original ticket price, a cap that did not exist before.

Information and claims process

Airlines will be required to inform passengers in writing about their rights within 96 hours of the trip ending. Travellers then have nine months to submit a claim. The airline must pay or explain in writing why it is refusing compensation within 30 calendar days. The EU hopes these steps will raise the low share of passengers who actually pursue their entitlements.

What happens next

The vote in Strasbourg was the last political hurdle. The Council of the EU, which already signalled its support, must now give formal approval, a step considered a formality. Once the regulation enters into force, airlines will have twelve months to implement the changes.