New EU Travel Rules Set 14-Day Refund Deadline

Stockholm residents traveling in Europe will soon get faster refunds when flights or trains are canceled. The European Parliament voted to pass new passenger rules across the EU. These rules cover ticket purchases made through online travel agents.

Online travel agents must now refund canceled trips within 14 days. Airlines have seven days to pay the agent. The agent then has seven days to pay the customer. The European Commission will also provide a simple claim form in all official languages.

Travel firms must tell affected guests about their rights within 96 hours of arrival. People have nine months to file a claim. Travel firms then have 30 days to pay or explain why not. Compensation for flight delays of three hours or more remains 250, 400, or 600 euros.

If a firm fails to rebook a traveler within three hours, the person can book a new trip. They can then claim up to 400 percent of the original ticket price. EU lawmakers approved the rules on October 20, 2026, and they take effect on October 27, 2027.