European Parliament approves new air passenger rights regulations

The European Parliament has approved a reform of air passenger rights with 646 votes in favor, 12 against, and 3 abstentions, concluding 13 years of negotiations. The new rules maintain existing compensation levels for delays exceeding three hours: 250 euros for flights up to 1,500 km, 400 euros for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km or routes between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and 600 euros for longer distances. Airlines may reduce compensation by 50% on long-haul flights if they provide re-routing and ensure the delay does not exceed four hours. The legislation requires hand luggage costs to be transparently included in initial ticket prices and prohibits extra fees for correcting minor name typos or printing boarding passes. Passengers can submit compensation claims up to nine months after travel, with airlines required to respond or pay within 30 days. Additionally, the rules mandate free seat assignments for children and the provision of digital boarding passes without requiring specific account creation or app downloads. In cases of cancellation, airlines must cover alternative transportation costs; if they fail to act within three hours, passengers may arrange their own travel and seek reimbursement.