The European Union's council formally approved additional rights for air passengers on Monday, and it means some changes for Canadians flying with a European airline.
The new rules, which will go into effect "in the second half of 2027, said the Council of the European Union, include things like clearer compensation rules for travellers who end up on a delayed flight, and no surcharges for seating children under 14 with their parents.
For Canadians flying into the EU on a non-EU airline, nothing changes. But if your clients are flying in or out on an EU airline, or flying between European destinations, they will want to know the new rules.
Clearer compensation, strengthened seating rights
Starting next year, several things will be guaranteed to be free, including bringing a small personal item, like a purse or backpack, on board for free, and printed boarding passes must also be free.
There can be no charge for seating a child 14 and under next to their parent or guardian, and the same goes for pregnant people and those with reduced mobility who wish to sit beside their companion.
Spelling mistake in your client's name? The airlines can't charge them for having it fixed.
Meanwhile, pricing will have to be much clearer, including "displaying air fares including allowance for a piece of hand baggage before the start of any booking process," said the council.
If travellers miss the outbound flight of a return journey, they won’t be punished with a “no‑show” fee on the way back. And if they’re bumped down to a lower class of service than they paid for, they’ll automatically get money back.
There are new rules around disruptions as well. Travellers with disabilities or reduced mobility will be entitled to compensation, rerouting and help if they miss a flight because the airport didn’t get them to the gate in time. Everyone will have nine months to file a claim for disrupted travel.
If their trip is delayed, airlines have to offer refreshments after two hours, a meal after three hours, and ongoing meals every five hours (up to three a day), plus free hotel stays and transportation when needed.
What airlines does this affect?
The new rules will be enforced on all European Union airlines. While UK airlines themselves will not have to follow the rules, it’s likely they will also adopt them.
As for Canadian airlines Air Canada, Air Transat and WestJet, they will be bound by these rules for flights that depart from the EU, but not for flights that leave from Canada.
