The European Parliament has given its final approval to a new set of safeguards for the 13 billion people who travel in Europe each year by plane, train, coach, bus or ferry.
The new rules add to the reform agreed earlier this year on air passengers, which cover everything from compensation for disruption to seating rules for those travelling with children.
The new text, passed with 652 votes to 2 and 8 abstentions, clarifies that air passengers have to receive the full reimbursement of the ticket in the event of cancellations even when flights are booked via an intermediary, such as a travel agent or an online booking platform.
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The refund should be completed within 14 days and cover the intermediation fee as well. Customers will have to be informed about these rights at the time of booking.
To facilitate the process, the European Commission will make available a common form for refunds or compensations that will be used for all types of transport and will be accessible in all EU languages.
Additional safeguards were also agreed for people with disabilities or reduced mobility travelling by plane. They will be able to be accompanied by a person free of charge, if necessary, as is already the case for journeys by bus, train or ship.
“Travelling is part of our lives. Whether we catch a train to work, a bus for a trip, a plane to return home, or a ferry for holiday, we all share these journeys as passengers. This legislation will improve the protection these travellers receive,” said Italian MEP Matteo Ricci, who has been in charge of the file at the European Parliament.
“National authorities will help make sure companies fulfil their responsibilities without court action… We are prioritising the rights of our citizens over the profits of airlines,” he added.
The new rules have to be formally approved by the EU Council – which gathers EU ministers – before being published in the EU Official Journal. They will apply from 23 October 2027, at the same time the reform of air passenger rights will take effect.