New flight refund rules approved

The European Parliament approved new rules on October 20 that outline how passengers can get refunds for canceled flights booked through a travel agency or online platform. These rules will allow passengers to recover the full amount paid, including any intermediary fees, within 14 days, but they are not yet in effect.

Implementation delayed

The new rules are not yet applicable because they need formal approval from the European Council before being published. Once approved, they are scheduled to take effect on October 23, 2027, alongside a revised EU regulation on passenger rights.

Refund process clarified

The rules clarify the responsibilities of each party when a flight is canceled and a refund is due. If a passenger books through an intermediary, the airline has seven days to transfer the funds to the intermediary, which then has an additional seven days to refund the passenger.

Passenger rights emphasized

The European Parliament stated in a press release that passengers are entitled to a full refund, including intermediary fees, within 14 days. Travel agencies and booking platforms must also inform customers about refund procedures at the time of purchase to make the roles of each party clearer.

Broader transport rights

The regulation aims to strengthen passenger rights across all forms of transport, not just air travel. However, the rules will not become law immediately. They require formal approval from the European Council and publication in the Official Journal of the EU before they can be applied.

Standardized refund forms

The reform introduces standardized European forms for refund and compensation requests. These forms, available in all EU languages, can be used by travelers or obtained from airlines, travel agencies, or the European Commission’s website, making the process easier when dealing with foreign companies.

Refund vs. compensation

The rules clearly differentiate between refund and compensation. A refund covers the money paid for the ticket, while compensation relates to the disruption caused by the canceled flight. The 14-day rule for refunds through intermediaries does not apply to compensation.

Enhanced oversight

National authorities will have more power to investigate and audit airlines and intermediaries without waiting for individual complaints. Italian MEP Matteo Ricci, who led the proposal, emphasized that passengers booking through third parties will still have their rights protected.

Wider impact on travel

The new rules apply to more than just air travel. EU passenger rights cover about 13 billion trips annually across various transport modes. The regulation aims to make these rights more consistent and to better define the relationships between carriers, intermediaries, and travelers.