Final Decision: European Parliament Ends Airline Ticket Name Change Fees for Passengers. Photo: Shutterstock The European Parliament approved by a large majority yesterday (Tuesday, July 7, 26) the new changes to the EU passenger rights regulations , after a compromise agreement was reached with the Council of the European Union. The proposal will now go to the Council for final approval in less than a month.
The reform, which is designed to update passenger protection rules in place since 2004, seeks to make dealing with delays, flight cancellations and compensation claims simpler and faster - while preserving key rights that already exist. However, it should be noted that some of the changes are not dramatic.
The right to compensation for a three-hour delay, short-notice flight cancellation, or denied boarding will remain in effect despite attempts to cancel them.
The compensation amounts will remain unchanged and will be €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for longer flights within Europe and to destinations between 1,500-3,500 km, and €600 for longer flights.
At the same time, the procedure for receiving compensation will undergo a significant change: passengers who choose a refund instead of an alternative flight will receive the refund automatically, airlines will be required to provide passengers with clear instructions for submitting a compensation request, and will have only 30 days to pay or explain why they are not obligated to compensate. Passengers themselves will be given nine months to submit a request.
The reform also includes an expansion of passenger rights in more everyday matters. Airlines will be required to allow a small personal item, such as a bag or backpack, to be carried without additional charge, and flight prices will be displayed in advance in a way that includes the cost of hand luggage - to allow for true price comparison between companies.
So what will change significantly? Airlines operating within the European Union will not be able to charge a fee for correcting spelling errors in a passenger's name or for receiving a printed boarding pass after check-in.
Families with children up to the age of 14 will receive new protection, with a child and a companion required to be seated in adjacent seats at no additional charge.
The new rules are expected to enter into force 20 days after their publication in the EU Official Journal, with countries and airlines given a one-year preparation period to implement the changes.