The agreement revises the passenger rights rules, which had not been updated since 2004 and had been under negotiation for 12 years, and now needs to be approved by the European Parliament (EP) and the Council of the European Union (EU) to come into force.

Agreed measures

Among the measures agreed upon by the two European institutions is compensation for delays exceeding three hours, a measure that already exists but which the Council of the EU wanted to revise so that it would apply only to delays exceeding four hours.

Compensation amounts

Compensation amounts remain exactly the same as currently in effect: €250 for trips up to 1,500 kilometres, €400 for trips between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres, and €600 for longer trips.

As is currently the case, passengers will continue to be entitled to compensation if the flight is cancelled less than 14 days before it is due to depart.

“However, if the delay or cancellation is due to events beyond the control of the airlines, they may avoid paying compensation. The new rules include an open list of these extraordinary circumstances: for example, natural disasters, wars, weather conditions, unruly passengers or strikes,” says the European Parliament.

Airline communication

The new rules also stipulate that, in the event of a cancellation or delay, “air carriers must send passengers facing disruptions clear instructions on how to make a claim for compensation.”

“These instructions must be sent electronically within four days of the end of the trip,” indicates the European Parliament, with the EU Council adding that, as soon as a passenger submits a claim for compensation, airlines become “obliged to immediately acknowledge receipt.”

“And subsequently, to respond within 14 days, paying the compensation due or providing a clear justification for the refusal,” the institution indicates.

Among the new rules foreseen is “the prohibition of refusing boarding to a passenger because they have not taken a previous flight” – as in cases where, on a round trip, only the return flight is used – or “the right to carry on board, without additional charge, a personal item, such as a small bag or backpack.”