EU finalizes air passenger rights overhaul after 13 years

After 13 years of negotiations, European Union lawmakers have finalized a major overhaul of air passenger rights, preserving core compensation rules for flight delays and introducing new protections for travelers. The provisional agreement, reached between the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, updates regulations that have been in place since 2004 and is expected to take effect in early July 2027 following formal approval.

The revised framework maintains the existing threshold for financial compensation, a key point of contention. Passengers will continue to be eligible for compensation when flights arrive more than three hours late or are canceled less than 14 days before departure. Compensation amounts remain at 250 euros for flights up to 1,500 kilometers, 400 euros for intra-EU flights or journeys between 1,500 km and 3,500 km, and 600 euros for longer distances. Airlines can reduce compensation by 50% for their longest journeys if they offer passengers rerouting or if the arrival delay does not exceed four hours.

A significant new rule mandates greater price transparency for hand luggage. Airlines, intermediaries, and search portals must display ticket prices...