European Union is strengthening of rules on passenger rights protection

The new regulations specifically outline the refund procedure in the case of flights booked via intermediary websites or agencies.

They establish a maximum time limit of 14 days for full reimbursement (this includes the fees charged by the intermediary): seven days for the carrier to pay the intermediary and then another seven days for the intermediary to repay the passenger.

The law also requires that the European Commission’s website provide standardised European forms for refunds and compensation in all official EU languages.

Moreover, the framework improves the rights of passengers who have disabilities or reduced mobility—such as guaranteeing that an accompanying person may travel free of charge when it is necessary, in a manner consistent with the current rules in land and maritime transport—and enables national authorities to carry out more proactive audits and inspections of transport operators.