MEPs endorse better enforcement of passenger rights in the EU
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Clearer rules for plane tickets purchased through intermediaries
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Common EU form for claiming reimbursement and compensation
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Better protection for vulnerable travellers
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EU passenger rights cover around 13 billion journeys annually
On Tuesday, Parliament gave its final green light to updated EU rules to improve the protection and information passengers receive if their travel is disrupted.
The regulation, which will strengthen the protection of passenger rights across all modes of transport, was adopted with 652 votes in favour, two against and eight abstentions.
Reimbursement by air travel intermediaries
The adopted text clarifies the rules on reimbursement in the case of cancellations when flights are booked via an intermediary, such as travel agents or online booking platforms. Passengers are entitled to receive full reimbursement, including of any intermediation fee, within 14 days (the air carrier must transfer the payment to the intermediary within a maximum of seven days, and the intermediary must transfer it to the passenger within a further seven days). Intermediaries must inform passengers at the time of booking about the applicable reimbursement arrangements.
Common EU form
Passengers will be able to submit claims using standardised forms for reimbursement and compensation, or any equivalent form provided by the carrier. The common forms will be made available on the Commission’s website, in all languages and for all types of travel.
Improved rights for vulnerable passengers
The new rules also strengthen the rights of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility by allowing an accompanying person to travel with them on a flight free of charge if their presence is necessary, as is already the case for travel by bus, train or ship.
More power for national enforcement and complaint-handling bodies
National authorities are granted enhanced powers for investigating possible breaches of passenger rights. They will be able to proactively initiate audits, inspections or interviews of carriers, not only after receiving passenger complaints.
Quote
Rapporteur Matteo Ricci (S&D, IT) said: “Travelling is part of our lives. Whether we catch a train to work, a bus for a trip, a plane to return home, or a ferry for holiday, we all share these journeys as passengers. This legislation will improve the protection these travellers receive. National authorities will help make sure companies fulfil their responsibilities without court action. Passengers who buy tickets through intermediaries will keep their rights, and support for individuals with reduced mobility will be improved. We are prioritising the rights of our citizens over the profits of airlines.”
Next steps
The updated rules need still need to be formally approved by the Council, before their publication in the EU Official Journal. They will apply from 23 October 2027 (at the same time as the air passenger rights regulation).
Background
In 2023, the Commission presented an update of the EU rules governing the rights of passengers when travelling by air, rail, sea, inland waterway, bus or coach, as part of the passenger mobility package. Parliament adopted a specific upgrade of air passenger rights earlier in 2026.
Around 13 billion passengers who travel by airplane, train, coach, bus or ferry in the EU every year are covered by EU passenger rights. This figure is expected to reach 15 billion by 2030 and almost 20 billion by 2050.