EU Parliament: Cancelled Flight Refund Within 14 Days
The European Parliament in Strasbourg adopted rules requiring intermediaries to refund the full ticket price, including their own fee, within 14 days.
The European Parliament adopted updated rules on the protection and information of passengers whose trips are disrupted or cancelled at a plenary session in Strasbourg on October 20, 2026. The regulation passed with 652 votes in favor, two against and eight abstentions. A passenger who bought a plane ticket through a travel agency or an online booking platform is entitled to a full refund, including the intermediary’s fee, within 14 days.
Of the 662 votes cast, about 98.5% backed the regulation. The new rules start to apply on October 23, 2027, exactly one year and three days after the vote.
Who pays the refund when a flight was booked through an intermediary?
The text adopted by Parliament clarifies the rules on reimbursement when a flight booked through an intermediary, such as a travel agency or a booking platform, is cancelled, the European Parliament said. Passengers are entitled to a full refund, and it includes any commission the intermediary charged. The deadline is 14 days.
The intermediary must also tell the passenger at the time of booking how a refund would work if the flight is cancelled. For people buying tickets on platforms, that means the refund terms have to be known before payment, not after the flight falls through.
How will claims be filed?
Claims for reimbursement and for compensation will be submitted on standardized forms, or on any equivalent form provided by the carrier. Common forms will be published on the European Commission’s websites, in all EU languages and for all modes of transport.
The rules cover planes, trains, buses and ferries. Passenger rights in the European Union affect about 13 billion travelers who use these modes of transport every year.
What changes for passengers with disabilities?
Rights for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility have been strengthened as well. A companion will be able to fly free of charge with such a passenger when their presence is needed. The same rule already applies on buses, trains and ships, so air travel is now aligned with the other modes of transport.
What powers do national bodies get?
National bodies that protect passenger rights have been given greater powers to investigate possible violations. In future they will be able to launch audits, inspections and talks with carriers on their own initiative, not only when they receive a passenger complaint.
What was adopted, in brief
- refund for a flight bought through an intermediary: the full amount plus the intermediary’s commission, within 14 days
- the intermediary must tell the passenger how a refund works at the time of booking
- single forms for claims and compensation, published on European Commission websites
- a free companion on planes for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility
- national bodies can start checks and inspections on their own
- start of application: October 23, 2027
