European Parliament approves a standard EU form for travel refunds
The European Parliament has approved new rules to help travelers get refunds when trips are disrupted, according to Euronews. Passengers will be able to use a standard EU form for flights, trains, buses and ferries. The rules still need final approval from EU governments.
The European Parliament has approved new rules meant to make it easier for travelers to get refunds and compensation when their trips are disrupted, according to Euronews and the Parliament's own announcement. The vote on Tuesday was 652 in favor, two against and eight abstentions.
Travelers will be able to claim money back using standard forms that will be posted on the European Commission's website in all EU languages, the Parliament said. The forms will cover all kinds of travel, including flights, trains, buses, coaches and ferries.
The rules also clear up who must pay when a flight is booked through a travel agent or booking website. Passengers are entitled to a full refund, including any booking fee, within 14 days, the Parliament said. The airline must send the money to the booking site within seven days, and the booking site must pass it to the passenger within another seven. Booking sites will also have to explain refund rules at the time of booking.
People with disabilities or reduced mobility will be able to bring a companion on a flight for free if the companion is needed, as is already the case on buses, trains and ships. National authorities will also get more power to investigate airlines and other carriers on their own, without waiting for complaints.
Matteo Ricci, the Italian Socialist lawmaker who led the work on the rules, said they put "the rights of our citizens over the profits of airlines."
The rules are not final yet. They still need formal approval from the Council of the EU, which represents member governments, the Parliament said. If approved, they would apply from October 23, 2027. The Commission first proposed the update in 2023. EU passenger rights cover about 13 billion trips a year.
What we know: The Parliament approved a standard refund form and a 14-day refund rule for bookings through intermediaries.
What we don't: When the Council will give its approval. Only Euronews has reported this so far; NewsHabit hasn't seen independent confirmation.
Where outlets agree Euronews and the European Parliament both report a 652-2 vote with eight abstentions, a standard refund form and full refunds within 14 days for bookings through intermediaries.
Where they differ Euronews says the airline must pay the passenger directly if a booking site misses the deadline, while the Parliament's release describes only seven-day transfers from airline to booking site to passenger.