Flying in Europe is set to become a little more passenger-friendly from mid-2027 after the Council of the European Union approved a package of new air travel rights on 27 July 2026.
The reforms, which had already been approved by the European Parliament, will apply to all departures from EU airports and arrivals operated by EU-based airlines.
Among the biggest changes, children under 14 will be able to sit next to their parents without paying seat reservation fees. Pregnant passengers and travellers with reduced mobility will also be entitled to sit beside a travel companion at no extra cost.
Passengers will also get a range of other perks.
Airlines must correct spelling mistakes in passengers' names free of charge and provide printed boarding passes to checked-in travellers at no extra cost. Airlines, intermediaries and booking platforms will also have to display fares that include cabin baggage by default, making it easier to compare prices.
Travellers who miss the outbound leg of a return ticket will still be able to use their return flight without penalty. Those who are moved to a lower cabin than booked will receive automatic refunds.
Rules on compensation for delayed and cancelled flights remain largely unchanged. Passengers will still be eligible for compensation if their flight is delayed by at least three hours and the airline is responsible.
The reforms also make compensation claims more straightforward. Passengers must receive written information about their rights within 96 hours of completing their journey, have nine months to submit a claim, and airlines must either pay compensation or explain why a claim has been refused within 30 calendar days.
During travel disruptions, passengers will be entitled to refreshments after two hours, a meal after three hours, additional meals every five hours up to three meals a day, and hotel accommodation with transport if needed.
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