EU lawmakers agree to improve air passenger rights: clearer skies ahead

Published on 15.06.2026

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Today, EU lawmakers agreed to consolidate key air passenger rights with some improvements. Passengers still benefit from strong compensation rights clearly set in the legislation after a decade of negotiations.

Policymakers clarified that the list of extraordinary circumstances remains in line with rulings from the EU's top court. This will provide more certainty to passengers and airlines alike, and prevent air carriers from denying compensation on unjustified grounds.

The other good news is that policymakers banned no-show clauses preventing passengers from taking their return flight when they have missed the first part of a multi-leg itinerary.

Agustín Reyna, Director General of BEUC, commented:

“Consumers can be happy overall with this reform. The deal consolidates in the law key air passenger rights while thankfully putting an end to unfair practices like preventing passengers from taking their return flight when they have missed the first part of a multi-leg itinerary. Another good news is that consumers will not have to pay extra to seat next to their children or print their boarding passes at the airport.

“Airlines will now have to send clear information to passengers about their compensation rights in case of disruption within four days. Now, we need to make sure these rights are respected and that consumers have access to redress because only 38% of eligible passengers exercise their rights today.

“Policymakers also recognised hand luggage, a key consumer concern, as an essential part of air travel and boosted price transparency. Although not free as we had hoped, carry-on luggage prices will be displayed upfront, helping consumers compare deals more easily and avoid surprise fees during their booking process. Airlines can offer fares without hand luggage ensuring price flexibility remains unchanged for consumers.”

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