A new European Union regulation, set to take effect on October 23, 2027.
Specifically, after 12 years of discussions, at least 25 significant changes have been agreed upon for trips that do not go as originally planned.
Passengers will be compensated if a flight arrives at its destination three or more hours late. Compensation will range from 250 to 600 euros, depending on the distance. For delays of five hours or more, passengers will be entitled to request a refund, and airlines will be required to issue it within seven days.
Passengers cannot be required to accept a voucher in lieu of a refund, and if a voucher is not used within 12 months, the airline is required to refund the amount.
The new European regulation allows a passenger whose flight has been changed to book another flight after notifying the airline, which will bear the cost if it fails to rebook the passenger on another flight within three hours.
The regulation will allow passengers to carry one personal item, such as a bag, in the cabin free of charge, provided it fits under the seat in front of them. This does not, however, mean free carry-on luggage. The fee for carry-on luggage must be displayed before the booking process begins. If the airline is forced to check a permitted carry-on bag into the cargo hold, it cannot charge an additional fee.
The regulation also includes free name corrections on tickets, an airline’s obligations in the event that a passenger misses a connecting flight due to the airline’s fault, seating children next to their parents at no additional charge, and care for passengers in the event of delays, such as free meals, water, and internet access.
Watch the report by Neoklis Neokleous: