The European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) approved its position on revising and strengthening EU air passenger rights. These rules have existed since 2004. The committee voted on January 12, 2026. The measure passed with 36 votes in favor and two abstentions. This vote rejected attempts to weaken the protections. It also introduced practical improvements for travelers.
The reform addresses issues with flight disruptions, including delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. In these situations, air passengers feel most frustrated. The airline industry, on the other hand, presses for more operational flexibility.
Core Protections Remain Intact
The committee rejected proposals from EU ministers (Council position from June 2025). These proposals aimed to reduce compensation levels or extend the delay threshold for payouts.
The three-hour delay threshold for compensation will stay the same. Compensation amounts will range between €300 and €600 based on flight distance. The Council had suggested a cap of €500. MEPs called these limits "red lines" that must not be crossed.
The European Commission proposed limits on airline liability to situations under their control. It updated the list of extraordinary circumstances. These include natural disasters, war, severe weather, or certain strikes. Such events exempt carriers from paying compensation. The Parliament insists this list must be exhaustive. The Commission must update it regularly to provide clarity.
Enhanced Assistance and Air Passenger Support
Airlines will provide assistance during long delays. This includes:
- Refreshments every two hours beyond the scheduled departure.
- A meal after three hours.
- Hotel accommodation. A proposed cap of three nights gives airlines predictability and limits costs in extreme cases.
Free Carry-On Baggage and Practical Rights
A key element guarantees free carry-on baggage. The committee supports the right to bring items on board at no extra charge. These items include:
- One personal item (handbag, backpack, laptop, etc.),
- One small carry-on bag with maximum combined dimensions of 100 cm and a weight limit of 7 kg.
Other measures ban extra fees for checking in or correcting spelling errors in names. Passengers may choose freely between digital or paper boarding passes.
Stronger Safeguards for Vulnerable Travelers
The committee focused on inclusion and accessibility. Vulnerable passengers will gain priority boarding and better rights. This group includes people with reduced mobility, pregnant women, families with infants or children under 14, and people traveling with strollers.
Companions, including parents, may sit next to children under 14 or people with reduced mobility at no extra cost. Airports must provide timely assistance. If they fail and passengers miss flights, the affected travelers qualify for compensation, rerouting, and support.
Faster and Simpler Refunds and Claims
MEPs want to make the system easier to use and reduce reliance on claims agencies. They call for pre-filled standard forms for refund and compensation requests. Airlines must send these forms within 48 hours of a disruption. This rule covers both cancellations and long delays, unlike the Council's narrower proposal. Passengers have up to one year to submit claims.
Industry Pushback
The vote drew sharp criticism from airline trade groups. IATA (International Air Transport Association), A4E (Airlines for Europe), and ERA (European Regions Airline Association) issued a joint statement. They expressed "deep concern." They claim the proposals will limit consumer choice, raise ticket prices, and hurt the competitiveness of European aviation.
The groups argued that passengers prioritize affordability, punctuality, and options over higher compensation. They noted that the existing EU 261/2004 regulation imposes the heaviest burdens on airlines globally without matching benefits. The groups highlighted operational challenges. The three-hour threshold is too short to replace aircraft and crews. Also, the lack of analysis for free carry-on rules could increase boarding delays, capacity issues, and emissions.
The associations also criticized the exhaustive list of extraordinary circumstances. They claimed it ignores real safety and efficiency needs.
Next Steps
Parliament's position moves to the plenary session at the end of January 2026 for final approval. Then, interinstitutional negotiations with the Council and Commission will determine the final regulation.
This vote signals Parliament's determination to protect passengers despite industry pressure. It leads to a difficult and important debate on the future of air travel rights in Europe.
The European Parliament kept the current three-hour limit for compensation regarding flight delays. This decision opposes the European Council's proposal to raise the limit to four to six hours and cap the maximum payout at €500.
Members of parliament approved other changes alongside existing regulations. Passengers can bring one piece of hand luggage and one personal bag for free. People with disabilities or reduced mobility will receive support and compensation if they miss flights because airport assistance is lacking. Families with children under 14 can select their seats for free. Companions of passengers with reduced mobility share this right. Airlines must also provide pre-filled compensation claim forms to simplify the process.