The European Parliament has approved updated rules to strengthen passenger rights enforcement across transport modes, including clearer refund obligations for flights booked through travel agents and online platforms.
The legislation passed with 652 votes in favour, two against and eight abstentions. It still requires formal Council approval before publication in the EU Official Journal and is due to apply from 23 October 2027.
For cancelled flights booked through intermediaries, passengers will be entitled to full reimbursement, including any intermediary fee, within 14 days. Airlines must transfer the refund to the intermediary within seven days, with the intermediary then given a further seven days to reimburse the passenger. Booking platforms and agents must explain the applicable arrangements when tickets are purchased.
The rules also introduce standardised reimbursement and compensation claim forms, available through the European Commission in all EU languages. Equivalent forms supplied by carriers may also be used.
Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility will be entitled to a free accompanying person on flights where that assistance is necessary, extending protection already available on buses, trains and ships.
National enforcement bodies will gain stronger investigative powers, allowing them to initiate audits, inspections and interviews with carriers without first receiving a passenger complaint.
The measures address enforcement and information across air, rail, bus, coach and waterborne transport, complementing the separate revision of air passenger rights adopted earlier in 2026.