Flights: new rights for EU passengers from 2027

From 23 October 2027, the new European rules on air passenger rights provided for by EU Regulation 2026/2202, which amends the rules on delays, cancellations, denied boarding, rerouting and baggage handling, will come into force.

Flight delay of more than 3 hours and refunds
Among the most important aspects, the right to financial compensation is expressly enshrined when the passenger reaches the final destination with a delay of more than three hours. The amounts are set at €250 for routes of up to 1,500 kilometres, €400 for intra-EU flights over 1,500 kilometres and for other routes between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, and €600 for longer routes.

Flight cancellation and refunds
In the event of cancellation, the passenger will be able to choose between refunding the ticket, rerouting to the final destination as soon as possible or travel at a later date, subject to availability. The refund must be made within seven calendar days of the passenger's choice.
 

Flight rerouting

The right to re-routing is also strengthened. If the traveller chooses to continue the journey and the company does not offer an alternative solution under comparable conditions within three hours, the passenger can make their own arrangements. In this case, they can claim reimbursement of the necessary, reasonable and adequate expenses incurred for self-re-routing, up to 400% of the full ticket price and any brokerage fees.

Missed connecting flight: rerouting and reimbursement
Greater protection also for those who miss a connection included in the same transport contract due to a problem on the previous flight. The company will have to offer assistance and re-routing; if it fails to re-protect the passenger within five hours of the scheduled time of the missed connection, it will also have to offer the possibility of reimbursement. If the arrival at the final destination is more than three hours late, the right to financial compensation may also be triggered.

Assistance during flight waits
The new rules also specify assistance during waiting: there is a free refreshment every two hours, a meal after three hours and then every five hours, up to a maximum of three meals a day, as well as Internet access and two phone calls. If it is necessary to stay overnight, hotels and transfers between the airport and the facility must also be offered.

Delays on the tarmac
Specific changes concern tarmac delays. During the wait, adequate conditions of cabin temperature, access to toilets and drinking water must be guaranteed, within the limits provided for by the regulations. If the tarmac delay reaches two hours, the aircraft must head towards an area that allows passengers to disembark, except for impediments related to security, immigration or air traffic control.

Corrections of errors on the flight ticket
It also becomes easier to correct errors on the ticket. A request submitted at least 48 hours before departure will allow you to correct a spelling error in the name at least once free of charge or to update it following an administrative change, as long as it is not a matter of transferring the ticket to another person.

Round-trip flight tickets
Another protection concerns return tickets: if the passenger does not use one or more outbound flights, the company will not be able to deny him boarding on the return trip or apply additional costs, as long as the flights are part of the same contract of carriage.

Baggage on planes: new rules
The regulation provides that each passenger can bring a personal item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm into the cabin free of charge, or in any case small enough to be placed under the front seat.
For larger hand luggage , on the other hand, a single European size is not set: airlines must clearly indicate, already at the time of booking, weight, dimensions, number of pieces allowed and any additional costs. In the event of loss, delay or damage to luggage, airports and airlines must make a complaint form available, including online. The complaint must be submitted within 7 days for damaged checked baggage and within 21 days in the event of late delivery.

Boarding pass: no additional costs for the printed version
The regulation also clarifies that passengers cannot be penalized for using a boarding pass printed from the digital one, as long as it is clearly legible. If the passenger has already checked in, the company will also not be able to apply an additional fee to provide a paper copy of the boarding pass. A user account or the use of a specific app cannot be required to obtain or print the boarding pass.

Families and passengers with disabilities
The new regulation strengthens protections for families and people with specific needs. Companions of children under 14 years of age or passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility must be able to sit free of charge next to the assisted person, if there are seats available. There are also priority boarding, greater assistance in the event of disruptions and the possibility for children to use the stroller free of charge up to the boarding gate or aircraft, with return on arrival unless operational constraints are required.

Passenger information and rights
Finally, the regulation strengthens the information obligations of airlines, which will have to communicate more clearly the rights applicable in the event of delays, cancellations and denied boarding and provide guidance on the procedures for requesting compensation, refunds and assistance. 

For further information: European Regulation 2026/2202 of the European Union.