European Parliament approves full refunds for cancelled flights — Council of the EU to decide
Regulation approved by the European Parliament sets strict refund deadlines, standardized claim forms and new hand-luggage rules, to take effect on 23 October 2027.
The European Parliament has approved a new regulation extending passenger rights across all transport modes and introducing full refunds for airline tickets bought through travel agencies or online booking platforms when flights are cancelled.
The regulation was adopted by 652 votes "for", two "against" and eight "abstentions". It now awaits formal approval by the Council of the EU before it can enter into force on 23 October 2027.
How refunds and timings will work
Under the new rules, airlines must transfer the paid fare to the intermediary within a maximum of seven days. Travel agencies and booking platforms then have an additional seven days to return the money to the passenger. Intermediaries will be obliged to inform customers about the refund procedure at the moment of booking.
The regulation also introduces standardized claim and compensation forms that will be made available in all official languages of the European Union. The package covers air, rail, road and maritime transport.
Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will be entitled to be accompanied free of charge by one person when that assistance is necessary. National enforcement authorities will receive stronger powers, including the ability to carry out audits, inspections and interviews with carriers on their own initiative.
In addition to the refund rules, the EU will introduce changes to hand luggage rules for air travel from 23 October 2027: passengers will have the right to carry hand luggage up to 7 kg plus one personal item, and airlines must display ticket prices that include the hand luggage allowance at the time of booking.
Photo: press material from the event
