The European Parliament has overwhelmingly backed new rules designed to strengthen passenger protections when travel plans go off course, marking a significant step forward in the European Union’s efforts to make refunds faster, clearer and easier to claim.
Under the new framework, travellers across the EU will be able to request refunds through a standardised form that will be available on the European Commission’s website in every EU language. The form will apply across all modes of transport, creating a more uniform process for passengers whose journeys are delayed, cancelled or otherwise disrupted.
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Refunds Must Be Paid Within 14 Days
The regulation gives passengers the right to a full refund within 14 days, while also clarifying the responsibilities of intermediaries such as travel agents and online booking platforms. That point is especially significant: under previous rules, the reimbursement obligations of third parties were not always clearly defined.
If an intermediary fails to issue the refund on time, the airline will be required to step in and make the payment directly to the passenger. The measure is intended to close a longstanding gap in enforcement and reduce the burden on consumers navigating a fragmented claims process.
Lawmakers Frame The Reform As A Consumer Priority
“We are prioritising the rights of our citizens over the profits of airlines,” said Italian Socialist Matteo Ricci, the Member of the European Parliament responsible for the regulation. His remarks underscore the political intent behind the reform: to shift the balance more decisively toward passengers after years of complaints over slow, opaque reimbursement procedures.
Stronger Protections For Passengers With Disabilities
The new rules also expand protections for people with disabilities. Where necessary, a companion will be allowed to travel free of charge on flights, bringing air travel more closely into line with existing provisions for buses, trains and ships.
The regulation passed with 652 votes in favour, just two against and eight abstentions. It builds on a broader overhaul of EU air passenger rights adopted in July, which made refunds easier to obtain and required airlines to include one free item of hand luggage in fares displayed online.
Together, the measures signal a broader regulatory push to make passenger rights more practical, enforceable and transparent across the European Union.
