Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty has welcomed a landmark agreement in the European Parliament to strengthen air passenger rights across Europe, describing it as “a major victory for families and for the millions of people who rely on air travel every year.”
The agreement delivers stronger protections for passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled, clearer compensation rules and, crucially, guarantees that children under 14 will be seated beside their accompanying adult free of charge.
The family seating measure, which Regina Doherty championed throughout the negotiations, survived the final stages of talks and forms part of the Parliament’s position.
The Dublin MEP has been a consistent advocate for improving air passenger rights since her 2024 election to the European Parliament.
Doherty said, “for years, families have been asked to pay extra simply to sit together on a flight. That was wrong, and I’m delighted we’ve changed it.”
“No parent should have to pay a premium to sit beside their child. This is about common sense, safety and putting people back at the heart of air travel.”
The agreement also strengthens protections for passengers whose flights are seriously delayed. Under EU rules, passengers can continue to claim compensation of between €250 and €600, depending on the distance of the flight and the circumstances surrounding the delay.
Other key improvements include children under 14 seated beside their accompanying adult free of charge, stronger rights to assistance during delays and cancellations (including meals, accommodation where necessary) and clearer information and faster reimbursement procedures for passengers owed refunds.
The legislation also includes stronger protections for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility, clearer complaint procedures, and better enforcement of passenger rights.
Doherty said the reforms will make a tangible difference to ordinary people travelling for holidays, work, family events or simply returning home.
“Most people don’t think about their passenger rights until something goes wrong. Suddenly, they’re stuck in an airport, trying to figure out what they’re entitled to,” she said.
“These changes are about giving people certainty. If your flight is seriously delayed, your rights are protected. If you’re travelling with your children, you’ll know you’ll sit together without paying extra.”
The agreement must now be formally approved by both the European Parliament and EU Member States in the coming weeks. Parliament is expected to hold its final vote in July, after which the new rules can begin to take effect across Europe.
Doherty noted, “there is still work to do, but this agreement sends a clear message: passenger rights matter, families matter, and Europe can deliver practical changes that improve people’s everyday lives.”