It’s official: the European Union has given the green light to the biggest reform of air passenger rights since 2004. And if you’re constantly flying out of Milan—whether for work or a weekend getaway—this is one of those stories you’ll want to read all the way through.
Think of the classic 7 p.m. Linate-Rome flight: a meeting that ended in a rush, the urge to get home, and then the announcement of a delay. Time is the one thing we struggle most to make up for, and now, if they make you lose it, you’re finally entitled to something in return.
Let’s start with the money—which never hurts.
Refunds of up to €600: the right that airlines don’t shout about
The most hotly debated part concerned refunds, which several countries wanted to scale back by raising the threshold beyond three hours. In the end, fortunately, the passengers’ position prevailed.
If your flight is delayed by more than three hours, you’re entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the distance: €250 for flights up to 1,500 km, €400 for flights in between, and €600 for longer flights. This also applies to cancellations and overbookings, except in exceptional circumstances such as bad weather.
Among the news items for air travelers, this is one of those that makes a difference at the end of the year: it’s a refund you’re already entitled to today, but few people actually claim. And now airlines will even have to explain how to claim it, instead of hoping you’ll forget about it.
No more surprises when it’s time to pay for a flight
Then there’s some news for frequent flyers who book low-cost flights from Orio al Serio or Malpensa. The fare shown from the very first search must include one personal item and a small carry-on bag to store under the seat, with no hidden fees that only pop up at the end.
In other words, say goodbye to bait prices that seem unbeatable but then balloon with one surcharge after another. Those traveling light can always opt for a lower fare, but the actual price must be clear from the start. Large carry-on luggage, however, is a separate matter: low-cost carriers can still charge for that.
Families will never be separated on board again
There’s also good news for those traveling with young children. Airlines will no longer be allowed to separate children under 14 from the adult accompanying them, and the seat next to the adult must be assigned free of charge.
Until now, that compensation often ranged from €8 to €15 per leg: a small amount at a time, but for large families and round-trip flights, it added up to a significant expense. The same protections will also apply to passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility and expectant mothers.
When you can exercise these rights
Here’s a necessary dose of realism, but no need to be disappointed. The European Parliament has already given its approval; now we need the formal green light from the Council, expected within a few weeks, followed by official publication. Only then, after an adjustment period, will the rules fully take effect: the most likely scenario is 2027.
But it’s worth knowing about them now: anyone flying out of Linate, Malpensa, or Orio with a European carrier is fully covered by these protections, whether it’s a business trip or a two-day getaway to Lisbon.
In short, the next time you book a flight, that app you know by heart will have one less ace up its sleeve. And for once, even from Milan’s perspective, Europe is on the side of travelers.
