Transport MEPs have backed major changes to European Union (EU) passenger rights to better protect consumers. The new rules aim to guarantee fair compensation, allow free hand luggage, and make travel agents’ responsibilities clearer.
They also support smoother multimodal travel, so people won’t get stuck when changing between planes, trains, or buses.
Lawmakers close gaps in travel protections
In a sweeping move, the European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee approved a major update to EU passenger rights laws with strong backing—38 votes to two, with two abstentions.
The changes aim to fix loopholes, standardize rules, and raise awareness among passengers about what they’re owed when delays or cancellations strike.
Lawmakers targeted the role of ticket intermediaries—companies like online booking sites that often dodge responsibility when flights go wrong. Under the draft rules, these middlemen must clearly disclose fees and refund procedures.
If they fail to issue a refund within 14 days, the airline must take over and reimburse passengers within seven days.
New form speeds up compensation
To make claims less painful, MEPs proposed a single, standardized reimbursement form for all air travelers. Airlines would have to send this pre-filled form—or reach out through automatic channels—within 48 hours of a disruption.
“Every delay, cancellation or confusion at the gate reminds us why passengers need stronger rights,” said Andrey Novakov, the Parliament’s rapporteur on air passenger rights.
Limits set on ‘extraordinary circumstances’
Airlines often avoid paying compensation by claiming “extraordinary circumstances,” such as weather or strikes.
But the new rules narrow that definition. Only a specific list—natural disasters, war, or strikes outside the airline’s control—can exempt carriers from paying up.
This revision follows Parliament’s 2014 position and attempts to cut down on confusion and legal battles over what counts as “extraordinary.”
Free luggage and seating for children
Lawmakers also tackled annoying extras that nickel-and-dime travelers. They backed the right to bring one small hand luggage item (up to 7 kg and 100 cm total dimensions) and one personal item (like a laptop bag or purse) on board—at no extra cost.
Children under 12 should sit next to their accompanying adult, free of charge. The move aims to curb situations where families are split across the cabin unless they pay extra.
“This vote marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel,” said Matteo Ricci, the Parliament’s lead on enforcement of passenger rights.
“We’ve introduced concrete measures like the clear definition of free hand luggage, which helps avoid unjustified extra costs.”
Stronger rights for people with disabilities
Travelers with reduced mobility stand to gain the most. MEPs proposed mandatory free travel for one companion and compensation when airlines damage mobility equipment or harm an assistance animal.
The new rules aim to close gaps that leave these passengers vulnerable, especially during long or complex trips.
Multimodal travelers get a safety net
For those taking a mix of transport modes—such as train to plane or bus to ferry—the changes could be game-changing. In a separate vote, lawmakers passed draft legislation requiring full protections for travelers who book multimodal journeys under one contract.
If a missed connection delays a trip by over 60 minutes, the operator must offer meals, hotel stays, and updates. Travelers must also be clearly told before purchase if they’re buying a protected multimodal ticket or not.
If not informed properly, sellers will face steep penalties—full reimbursement and 75% compensation if the traveler misses a connection.
“This is the first time we’re creating enforceable rights for combined trips,” said Jens Gieseke, rapporteur on passenger rights in multimodal journeys.
“Our proposals set out clear, reasonable obligations for carriers—and at the same time ensure passengers are not abandoned.”
Political deal clears 11-year stalemate
The vote comes after more than a decade of stalled progress. Back in 2014, the European Parliament pushed to update passenger rights, but talks with national governments froze.
Finally, in June 2025, EU ministers reached a political agreement that reopened negotiations with Parliament. Now, if the full assembly gives its go-ahead in July, the Parliament will begin final talks with member states to lock in the changes.
Clear next steps for Parliament
The committee’s momentum is strong. MEPs voted unanimously—42 in favor—to begin talks with EU countries on the multimodal journey law. A separate vote on enforcement passed with 40 in favor and just one against.
If approved in July, the final version could roll out across all 27 EU nations, strengthening protections for millions of passengers who travel by air, train, bus, and boat.
Raising confidence in travel again
By stripping away fine print and pushing for transparency, lawmakers hope to rebuild passenger trust.
“These rules will strengthen passenger confidence and encourage companies to develop better multimodal offers,” Gieseke said. “We’re not just protecting travelers—we’re making the system work better for everyone.”
Travelers to benefit from stronger protections
The proposed changes to EU passenger rights aim to make travel clearer and more dependable for both short- and long-term visitors.
With the upcoming launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will require non-EU travelers to register before entering, the reforms—like consistent hand luggage rules, clear ticket details, and faster refunds—support the EU’s goal to improve travel experiences and build trust in systems like Schengen.
These updates could also make it easier for ETIAS travelers to switch between planes, trains, and buses across EU borders.
Eased journey for migrants
The reforms offer better protection for migrants, especially those using different types of transport or low-cost airlines. They include guaranteed help for people with limited mobility, clear rules for refunds, and holding ticket sellers accountable.
These measures can make a big difference for migrants who face tight budgets or don’t know the system well, helping them avoid being stranded or denied basic services while traveling across the EU.
A subtle shift toward harmonized travel governance
The move to strengthen enforcement, use one refund form, and clarify who’s responsible in multimodal travel shows the EU’s growing effort to simplify and unify travel rules.
Though not an immigration policy, it supports a wider push for clearer, more predictable systems—goals shared by the EU’s asylum and border rules.
This approach highlights a shift toward rights-based laws and suggests that future immigration policies may also focus more on fairness, accountability, and legal clarity.
Fairer, clearer travel protections
The European Parliament is pushing for stronger passenger rights, including free hand luggage and better support for trips that involve different types of transport.
These changes aim to protect all travelers—especially children, people with limited mobility, and those on complicated routes—from being left out or misled.
As talks with EU countries start, one thing is clear: the push for fairer travel is underway.