EU Air Passenger Rights Update : Key Protections Defended by the European Parliament – InfoCons Consumer Protection Informs You
Air passenger rights remain a cornerstone of consumer protection within the European Union. As air travel disruptions continue to affect millions of travellers every year, lawmakers are under pressure to ensure fair treatment, transparency, and compensation for passengers. In this context, the European Parliament has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding travellers’ rights by rejecting proposals that would weaken existing protections.
Parliament Rejects Weaker Compensation Rules
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have taken a firm stance in favor of maintaining the three-hour delay threshold that entitles passengers to compensation. This position directly opposes proposals from EU member states that aimed to increase the delay requirement to between four and six hours, depending on flight distance.
Parliament argues that extending the delay threshold would significantly reduce passenger protection and undermine rules that have been in place since 2004 to shield travellers from flight disruptions such as long delays, cancellations, or denied boarding.
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Compensation Levels and Airline Responsibility
MEPs also rejected plans to lower compensation amounts. Instead, they support keeping compensation between €300 and €600, depending on the length of the journey. Member state governments had proposed a narrower range, which Parliament views as insufficient.
At the same time, MEPs agree that airlines should only be held responsible for situations within their control. They therefore call for a clearly defined and exhaustive list of extraordinary circumstances—such as natural disasters, armed conflict, severe weather, or unforeseen labour disputes—that would exempt airlines from paying compensation. Parliament wants this list to be regularly updated by the European Commission to ensure legal clarity.
Assistance for Stranded Passengers Remains Unchanged
When flights are significantly delayed, passenger assistance remains a priority. Parliament supports keeping current obligations requiring airlines to provide refreshments every two hours, a meal after three hours, and accommodation for up to three nights in cases of long delays.
This three-night cap, agreed with the Council, is intended to balance passenger care with financial predictability for airlines, avoiding disproportionate costs while ensuring basic needs are met.
Faster and Simpler Reimbursement Procedures
To reduce bureaucracy and speed up claims, MEPs propose introducing pre-filled compensation and reimbursement forms. Airlines would be required to send these forms to affected passengers within 48 hours of a cancellation or long delay.
Passengers would then have up to one year to submit their claim. This approach aims to simplify procedures, improve transparency, and reduce reliance on third-party claims agencies.
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Free Hand Luggage and Fairer Travel Conditions
Parliament also supports clearer rules on cabin baggage. Passengers should be entitled, at no extra cost, to bring one personal item (such as a handbag or laptop) and one small piece of hand luggage weighing up to seven kilograms and measuring no more than 100 cm in total dimensions.
Additionally, MEPs want to eliminate extra fees for correcting minor name errors or for checking in. Travellers should also retain the choice between digital and paper boarding passes.
Special Protection for Vulnerable Passengers
Particular attention is given to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. Parliament insists that these travellers must receive compensation, rerouting, and assistance if they miss a flight due to inadequate airport support.
Priority boarding should be granted to passengers with reduced mobility, pregnant women, infants, and children in prams. Importantly, accompanying adults—such as parents of children under 14 or carers—should be seated next to them at no additional cost.
What Happens Next in the Legislative Process?
As part of the EU’s second reading procedure, Parliament’s position will now be sent to the Council. If the Council does not accept all amendments, a Conciliation Committee will be convened to negotiate a final compromise on the legislation.
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A Clear Signal in Favor of Passenger Rights
By standing firm on compensation thresholds, luggage rights, and protections for vulnerable travellers, the European Parliament has sent a strong message: air passenger rights should not be weakened. These decisions reinforce consumer confidence and ensure that air travel across the EU remains fair, transparent, and passenger-focused.
Source : European Parliament
Signature : InfoCons Communication Department