European parliament defends air passenger rights against weakening rules

Securing existing rights

MEPs want to maintain air travelers’ right to reimbursement or re-routing, as well as the right to claim compensation if a flight is delayed by more than three hours, canceled, or if boarding is denied. The Council is pushing to apply compensation only after delays of four to six hours, depending on flight distance.

Parliament also opposes reducing current compensation levels for flight disruptions and proposes amounts ranging from €300 to €600, depending on flight distance. Member state governments favor setting compensation between €300 and €500.

While limiting airline liability to situations within their control, Parliament wants to update the list of “extraordinary circumstances” that would allow carriers to waive compensation obligations. These currently include natural disasters, war, severe weather, or unforeseen labor disputes affecting airlines, airports, or air navigation service providers. MEPs want the list to be exhaustive and regularly updated by the European Commission.

MEPs agree with the Council that airlines should continue providing stranded passengers with refreshments every two hours after the scheduled departure time, a meal after three hours, and overnight accommodation for long delays, limited to a maximum of three nights. They argue that the three-night cap offers airlines greater predictability and helps avoid excessive financial burdens.

Faster reimbursement and strengthened protection

MEPs are calling for the introduction of pre-filled forms for compensation and reimbursement claims to streamline processing and reduce reliance on claims agencies. Under the draft rules, airlines would be required to send passengers affected by cancellations or delays a pre-filled form within 48 hours of the disruption. The Council’s position requires pre-filled forms only in cases of cancellation, not long delays. Passengers would then have one year to submit a claim.

Parliament wants passengers to have the right to bring on board, at no extra cost, one personal item (such as a handbag, backpack, or laptop) and one small piece of carry-on luggage with maximum combined dimensions of 100 cm and a weight limit of seven kilograms.

MEPs also want to eliminate additional fees charged for correcting passenger name errors or for checking in. Passengers should retain the right to choose between digital and paper boarding passes.

Vulnerable passengers

Special attention is given to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility. These travelers should be entitled to compensation, re-routing, and assistance if they miss a flight due to an airport’s failure to help them reach the gate on time. Passengers with reduced mobility, pregnant women, infants, and children in strollers traveling with an accompanying person should be given boarding priority, and accompanying persons should be seated next to them at no additional cost.

Commenting on the parliament’s position, Rapporteur Andrey Novakov (EPP, Bulgaria) said: “Parliament is ready to continue the fight for clearer and more predictable rules for airlines and a stronger aviation sector, but not at the expense of passengers. Our position is clear: we are determined to improve—not dilute—air passenger rights. Reducing delays brings significant benefits to Europe’s economy.”

“The three-hour compensation threshold, existing compensation levels, pre-filled forms, and enforceable safeguards remain our red lines. We are counting on EU transport ministers to reconsider their stance so we can reach a mutually acceptable outcome. Citizens expect results,” he added.

Under the second-reading procedure, Parliament’s position will be sent to the Council. If the Council does not accept all amendments, a Conciliation Committee will be convened to reach agreement on the final version of the legislation.