The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (EU) have reached a preliminary agreement on the revision of passenger rights protection rules, said Kristine Liepina, press secretary of the European Parliament in Latvia.
The agreement, supported by the European Parliament delegation in the Conciliation Committee, aims to strengthen passenger protection in the event of disruptions during travel, including denied boarding, delays, or cancellations of flights.
According to the new provisions, passengers will retain the right to a refund of the ticket price or a change of route, and will also be able to claim compensation in the event of a flight delay of more than three hours, cancellation of a flight less than 14 days before departure, or denied boarding.
The amount of compensation will depend on the distance of the flight: €250 for flights up to 1500 km, €400 for flights from 1500 to 3500 km, and €600 for longer flights.
For long-haul flights, airlines will be able to reduce compensation by 50% if an alternative route to the final destination is offered to the passenger or if the delay in arrival does not exceed four hours.
Compensation will not be paid in cases where the delay or cancellation is caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the control of the airline. Such circumstances will include, in particular, natural disasters, military actions, adverse weather conditions, actions of unruly passengers, as well as strikes by airport staff, air navigation services, and ground handling services.
At the same time, airlines will be required to provide passengers with refreshments every two hours of waiting, meals after three hours, and accommodation in a hotel for up to three nights in the case of long delays.
Carriers will also have to provide passengers with clear instructions on how to apply for compensation electronically within four days after the disruption.
Passengers will have nine months to submit a claim, while airlines will have 30 days to pay compensation or provide a justified refusal with an explanation of the complaint process.
Passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility will have the right to compensation, assistance, and route changes if they miss their flight due to the airport not providing the necessary assistance in a timely manner.
In addition, passengers accompanying children under 14 years old will be guaranteed a seat next to the child at no extra charge. The same right will be granted to passengers with disabilities, persons with reduced mobility, and pregnant women.
The new rules also establish the right to carry one personal item, such as a small bag or backpack, in the cabin free of charge. Airlines, intermediaries, and search services will be required to indicate the full ticket price including hand luggage from the very beginning of the booking process. At the same time, carriers will be able to offer cheaper rates to passengers traveling without hand luggage.
Passengers will no longer have to pay to correct spelling mistakes in their first or last names, nor for obtaining a printed boarding pass after checking in for a flight.
The agreement also provides for the right to receive a boarding pass in digital format without the use of special applications. Furthermore, a passenger cannot be denied boarding for presenting a printed version of the electronic boarding pass.
According to the third reading procedure, the reached agreement must be separately approved by the European Parliament and the EU Council after a legal review of the document. A vote in the European Parliament is planned for the July plenary session.
