EU reforms passenger rights: greater protection for business travellers
From 23 October 2027, significantly enhanced air passenger rights are set to apply across the EU. Key changes for business travellers include greater transparency around additional charges, faster refunds and clearer airline obligations regarding assistance and alternative travel arrangements in the event of disruption.
Passengers will be entitled to bring one personal item measuring up to 40 x 30 x 15 cm on board free of charge. Airlines may continue to charge for larger cabin bags, but any fees must be clearly disclosed before booking. Airports must also provide a free printed boarding pass, ensuring that access to a mobile app or customer account is not a prerequisite for boarding.
Compensation for delays will remain at €250, €400 or €600, depending on the circumstances. Passengers arriving at their final destination more than three hours late may be eligible for compensation. If a delay exceeds five hours, passengers will be entitled to a full refund. Refunds must be issued within seven days.
For travel managers, clearer rules on rebooking, meals, hotel accommodation and transport in the event of disruption are particularly relevant. If an airline fails to respond within three hours, passengers are expected to be able to arrange alternative solutions themselves. Binding deadlines will also apply to the processing of compensation claims.
The reform is likely to have implications for corporate travel policies and reimbursement processes. Greater cost transparency, faster refunds and clearer procedures for handling disruptions should improve predictability and planning for business travel.
