New rules are on the way for air travelers in the European Union. The European Parliament has approved a reform of passenger rights that introduces a series of changes aimed at strengthening protections for travelers. However, the new provisions will not take effect immediately: following publication of the regulation, a twelve-month transitional period will be required, meaning the new rules are expected to become operational in the second half of 2027.
Among the key changes is the right for children under 14 to sit next to their parents at no extra cost, a protection also extended to people with disabilities and their companions. The reform also scraps the controversial “no-show” clause, which had allowed airlines to cancel a passenger’s return flight if the outbound leg was not used.
Rules on compensation for delays and cancellations remain unchanged, continuing to apply after a three-hour delay upon arrival. For longer flights, however, airlines will be allowed to reduce compensation by 50% in certain cases provided for under the reform.
There’s no major shake-up when it comes to carry-on baggage: airlines can still charge for trolley bags, but they will now be required to disclose the cost from the very first step of booking, making the final ticket price more transparent.
