A new single, standardized form will be created for all travel modes to request compensation or refunds in case of cancellations or delays, accessible via the European Commission website in all official languages.

A common application form will be published on the European Commission website for passengers to request compensation, with refunds from the airline directly required if third-party platforms delay payment.

Travellers across the EU can use a single EU-commission form, available in all official languages, to request refunds for all modes of transport.

The regulation was adopted with broad support and follows a wider reform of passenger rights approved in July, which also requires airlines to include at least one free carry-on item in online tariffs.

The European Parliament approved updated passenger rights rules for air, sea, rail, and bus travel with a large majority; final adoption awaits formal approval from the Council of the EU.

The legislation, passed by a wide margin, builds on an aviation rights package adopted last July.

Consumer advocates call this one of the toughest battles for consumer rights in EU history.

The policy alignment across EU member states emphasizes better protection for travelers when trips are disrupted.

An accompanying person must sit beside the passenger who requires assistance, as clarified by the Council of the EU.

The Parliament decided that third-party providers, including online travel portals, must reimburse costs when a flight is canceled, including already collected booking fees.

Transport operators and booking portals have had a year to implement the changes; national authorities will enforce compliance and penalties include fines.

The changes apply to scenarios where bookings are made through intermediaries and aim to improve support for travellers with reduced mobility across all transport modes.