The European Union (EU) has unveiled new proposals aimed at reinforcing passenger rights across all modes of transportation.
The rules seek to improve reimbursements, assistance for disabled travelers, and access to real-time travel updates.
What it Means for EU Travelers
The reforms directly impact EU citizens traveling domestically or abroad using planes, trains, buses, and ferries.
Those taking multi-mode trips will especially benefit from increased protection and better information.
The proposals could also have implications for non-EU visitors traveling to and within the EU.
The bloc’s passenger rights framework – covering areas like flight cancellations, delays, and lost baggage – is among the most robust globally.
Strengthening these regulations further raises the bar for traveler protection worldwide.
For immigrants and longer-stay visitors, the new emphasis on accessible information could ease travel planning.
Updates must accommodate the needs of those with disabilities or restricted mobility.
ETIAS Poised to Enhance Travel Security and Efficiency
The upcoming 2025 launch of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) directly relates to these proposed passenger experience upgrades.
ETIAS will require travelers from over 60 visa-exempt countries to obtain pre-travel authorization as an added security measure.
By screening applicants and denying travel authorizations when necessary, ETIAS could aid in identifying potential immigration or security issues early.
The system would then feed data into the new European mobility database to keep border, immigration, and transportation authorities informed.
Key Improvements for Air Travelers
The European Commission aims to close gaps in existing passenger rights, which travelers say are insufficiently enforced.
Rules now vary widely depending on the EU country and transportation mode.
For air passengers, key improvements include:
1. Clearer Rules on Reimbursement
The proposals reinforce flyers’ right to a cash refund within 14 days if a flight is canceled or significantly delayed.
New safeguards will also apply to vouchers, which airlines issued widely during the COVID-19 pandemic in lieu of reimbursements.
Travelers will receive clear voucher terms upfront, including validity periods. The remaining unused credit will automatically revert to a cash refund.
Flyers will also be protected if an airline goes bankrupt before the voucher is used.
2. Aid for Disabled Travelers, Companions
Airlines will be required to transport passengers with disabilities and any accompanying passengers free of charge.
Companions must additionally be seated next to the person they are assisting.
If an airline mandates that a disabled traveler have an accompanying passenger, that companion will not be charged.
3. More Clarity on Third-Party Bookings
For tickets purchased through online travel agencies or other third parties, the proposals clarify reimbursement procedures.
Flyers will know whether to seek compensation from the airline or booking intermediary in the event of disruption.
4. Multi-Modal Journey Protections, Real-Time Updates
As multimodal travel via trains, buses, and ferries becomes more common, the reforms guarantee core protections for these trips.
Passengers will enjoy continuous assistance, including for disabled travelers when changing transport modes.
Companies must also furnish real-time information on cancellations, delays, platform changes, accessibility, and other trip updates. This will enable smoother connections during multimodal journeys.
Stronger Enforcement, Oversight
A major objective of the overhaul is to improve compliance from EU member states, transport companies, and airports.
Updates allow the European Commission to request investigations where rules are poorly applied.
The proposals also encourage countries to take a more proactive approach to enforcing passenger rights rather than only responding to complaints.
Airlines, railways, and other operators will face heightened scrutiny to deliver the protections and compensation travelers are entitled to.
Better Informed, Protected Travelers
The passenger rights reforms aim to make EU travel more seamless for citizens and visitors alike.
Air, rail, and road passengers will benefit from enhanced reimbursements, assistance services, and journey information under the proposals.
Stronger oversight should also compel airlines and transportation operators to fulfill obligations around cancellations, delays, and support for passengers with restricted mobility.
As travel rebounds from the pandemic, the upgrades provide a roadmap for smarter, consumer-friendly journeys across all transport modes.