Air passenger rights: the European rules that will change one year from today

Delays: the three-hour threshold becomes part of the Regulation

The right to compensation for passengers arriving at their final destination more than three hours late — already established by the case law of the Court of Justice of the EU on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 — is now formally incorporated into the new Regulation. The amounts remain EUR 250 for flights of up to 1,500 km, EUR 400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 km and for other flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and EUR 600 for longer flights. For the longest flights, the airline may reduce the compensation by 50% if the delay on arrival does not exceed four hours.
Within 96 hours of the end of the journey, the airline must send the passenger instructions on how to claim compensation. Passengers will have only nine months to submit their claim. The airline will then have 30 days to pay or to give reasons for refusing. If it invokes extraordinary circumstances — that is, events beyond its control — it must specify what they were and demonstrate that it took all reasonable measures to avoid the inconvenience.

What this means for travellers: clear deadlines and a concrete justification in the event of a refusal.

Reimbursement or re-routing: the choice is up to the passenger

In the event of cancellation or denied boarding, it will be the passenger who chooses between reimbursement and re-routing. The reimbursement must be made within seven days of the passenger choosing that option and must also include intermediation costs if the ticket was purchased through a travel agency or booking platform.
If, within three hours, the airline does not offer a comparable alternative, passengers may make their own arrangements and claim back the costs. In future, however, this will be capped at four times the price of the cancelled flight ticket. A voucher may replace a monetary reimbursement only if explicitly accepted by the passenger; any unused amount must be automatically reimbursed when the voucher expires.
During the wait, passengers remain entitled to refreshments, meals and, where necessary, hotel accommodation. In the event of extraordinary circumstances, however, overnight accommodation may in future be limited to three nights. If an aircraft remains on the tarmac with passengers on board, they must be allowed to disembark after two hours, unless there are safety or air traffic control reasons not to do so.

What this means for travellers: a cap on the reimbursement of costs for alternative flights booked independently and the possible limitation of hotel accommodation to three nights.

Hand baggage and tickets: greater transparency

Every passenger will be able to bring one small personal item into the cabin free of charge, such as a handbag or backpack, measuring up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm or fitting under the seat in front. This does not make a trolley/cabin suitcase free of charge. However, airlines, intermediaries and metasearch websites will have to display by default — before the booking process begins — the fare that includes one piece of hand baggage.
Passengers will be able to correct a name error free of charge at least once, provided the request is made at least 48 hours before departure. There will be no surcharge or refusal of boarding for passengers using a printed boarding pass. The so-called “no-show” practice will also be banned: passengers who do not use the outbound leg of a return journey cannot be denied boarding on the return flight.

What this means for travellers: easier price comparison and fewer hidden costs.

Families and passengers with specific needs

Passengers travelling with a child under 14 must be able to sit next to them at no extra cost. The same applies to those accompanying persons with disabilities or reduced mobility, and to pregnant women, provided the airline has been informed.
What this means for travellers: no extra charges to stay close to your children.
Further information on the Regulation

Until October 2027, the current rules apply

ECC Italy therefore reminds consumers that the rules currently in force apply to any disruption occurring up to 22 October 2027. Even today, passengers may be entitled to reimbursement, assistance and compensation. The Centre encourages consumers to keep all travel documents and receipts for expenses incurred and to submit their complaint in writing. If an airline based in another EU country refuses the claim or fails to respond, consumers can contact ECC Italy free of charge.
If you encounter a problem, the European Consumer Centre Italy is here to protect your rights! We offer free assistance to resolve disputes with traders established in other EU countries, Iceland, Norway and the United Kingdom. Contact us by phone on +39 0471 980939 (Bolzano office) or +39 06 44238090 (Rome office), or get in touch through our
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The press can contact us at
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