EU reaches agreement to update airline passenger rights

Following 13 years of negotiations, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU have reached a historic agreement to modernize passenger rights in air travel. The new regulations, expected to be implemented by July 2027, introduce significant protections for travelers. Passengers remain entitled to compensation for flights delayed by more than three hours or cancellations made less than 14 days in advance, with payouts ranging from 250 to 600 euros depending on distance. Airlines are now required to pay compensation within 30 days and provide electronic notifications regarding claims within 96 hours. The agreement also mandates that parents may sit next to their children under 14 at no extra cost and strengthens protections for pregnant women and individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, airlines must now disclose transparent pricing, including hand luggage in the initial fare, and cannot charge for minor spelling corrections on names. Financial liabilities can only be waived under extraordinary circumstances, such as wars or natural disasters.