The European Parliament approves new rules on passenger rights, also providing for a common refund form, free accompanying persons when needed, and greater powers for the national authority to investigate possible breaches of passenger rights.
The European Parliament has given the green light to strengthening travellers’ rights; the new rules provide for a full refund within a maximum of 14 days for cancelled flights booked through intermediaries. The refund will also cover any intermediation fees. The airline will have to transfer the ticket amount to the intermediary within a maximum of seven days; the latter will then have a further seven days to pass it on to the passenger whose flight was cancelled. At the time of booking, intermediaries will have to inform travellers of the applicable refund procedures.
The text, approved on 20 October by a very large majority with 652 votes in favour, 2 against, and 8 abstentions, now awaits formal approval by the Council before publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The provisions will apply from 23 October 2027.
The new rules also strengthen the rights of people with disabilities and people with reduced mobility. An accompanying person will indeed be able to travel by plane free of charge when their presence is necessary, as is already the case for travel by bus, train, or ship.
“Passengers who buy tickets through intermediaries will keep their rights, and support for people with reduced mobility will be strengthened. We are prioritising citizens’ rights over airlines’ profits,” declared the rapporteur Matteo Ricci, of the S&D group.
To submit refund and compensation claims, passengers will be able to use standardised forms or an equivalent form provided by the companies. The common forms will be available on the European Commission’s website, in all languages and for all types of travel.
National authorities will have greater powers to investigate possible breaches of passenger rights. They will also be able to launch checks, inspections, or hearings of the companies on their own initiative, without waiting for complaints to be filed.
Every year, European passenger rights concern around 13 billion journeys by plane, train, coach, bus, or ferry. According to Parliament, the figure is expected to reach 15 billion by 2030 and approach 20 billion by 2050.
Italy Travel Experience Magazine Editorial Team