The key facts

  • A standard refund form will be available on the European Commission's website in all EU languages and cover all modes of transport
  • Full refund within 14 days; obligations extended to intermediaries, with the airline paying if the intermediary fails to act
  • Vote: 652 in favor, 2 against, 8 abstentions; rights of people with disabilities strengthened

Unified refund form for all modes of transport

The European Parliament approved new rules protecting passengers when trips are disrupted. As Euronews reports, travelers in the EU will be able to request refunds using a standard form, which will be posted on the European Commission's website in all official EU languages and cover all modes of transport.

Deadlines and intermediary liability

Passengers will have the right to a full refund within 14 days. Refund obligations are now explicitly extended to intermediaries — travel agents and online booking platforms — which was not defined in previous legislation. If the intermediary does not refund the money in time, the airline is obliged to pay the compensation to the passenger itself.

Rapporteur's position and rights of people with disabilities

“We put the rights of our citizens above the profits of airlines,” said Italian socialist Matteo Ricci, the MEP responsible for the regulation. The rules also strengthen the rights of people with disabilities: if necessary, a companion will be able to fly with them free of charge — as already applies on buses, trains and ships.

Vote and context

The regulation was adopted with 652 votes in favor, two against and eight abstentions. It builds on the sweeping reform of air passenger rights approved in July: it simplified obtaining refunds and required airlines to include one piece of free carry-on baggage in fares displayed online.