EU Leaders Tighten EU261 Rules, Requiring 4-Day Compensation Notices and 30-Day Payouts
Updated
Updated · The Points Guy · Jun 17
EU Leaders Tighten EU261 Rules, Requiring 4-Day Compensation Notices and 30-Day Payouts
3 articles · Updated · The Points Guy · Jun 17
Summary
EU leaders agreed to update EU261 so airlines must tell passengers within four days if they may be owed cash compensation and explain how to claim it.
The plan keeps existing payouts of 250, 400 or 600 euros for eligible delays and cancellations, but adds a 30-day deadline to pay claims or justify a refusal.
Canceled flights would trigger stricter rerouting duties: airlines must offer an alternative within three hours, or passengers can book their own and seek reimbursement up to 400% of the original fare.
The package also bars airlines from canceling a return leg after a no-show on the first segment and clarifies care obligations such as meals, hotels and ground transport during disruptions.
The changes still need formal approval from the European Parliament and EU Council, while IATA said they fall short of broader reform even as the EU called them simpler and stronger rights.