The European Parliament has approved new rules for air travelers

7. July 2026

1 minute of reading

Consumer law

The European Parliament has approved an agreement that updates the rules on air passenger protection for the first time in more than twenty years. The changes are intended to simplify the process of obtaining compensation, increase transparency in airfare pricing, and strengthen the rights of families, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable passengers. The agreement still needs to be formally approved by the Council of the EU.

Airlines will be required to seat an accompanying adult next to a child under 14 years of age at no extra charge. Persons with disabilities or limited mobility, as well as pregnant women traveling with an accompanying adult, will have the same right. Carriers will not be allowed to charge a fee for correcting a typo in a passenger’s name or force passengers to use a mobile app. The price displayed at the start of the booking process must include carry-on luggage; however, carriers will be able to offer a lower fare to passengers who opt out of carry-on luggage.

The amount of financial compensation remains unchanged. Provided the conditions are met, passengers will continue to receive between 250 and 600 euros, depending on the flight’s duration. Carriers will be required to better inform passengers of their rights and process compensation claims within 30 days. Even in exceptional circumstances where no entitlement to financial compensation arises, the right to care—such as refreshments, meals, and, in the event of a longer wait, accommodation—will remain in effect. Following formal adoption by the Council of the EU and the publication of the rules, member states and airlines will have one year to implement them.