The European Parliament approved a sweeping air passenger rights reform on 7 July 2026 with 646 votes, mandating operators to reserve free seats for children under 14 next to parents and display total ticket prices including hand luggage from the start of booking. Airlines must inform passengers of their rights within 96 hours post-travel, process compensation claims within 30 days, and offer alternative transport within three hours during disruptions. Fixed compensation remains at 250 euros for flights up to 1,500 km, 400 euros for 1,500–3,500 km, and 600 euros beyond, applicable when delays exceed three hours due to airline fault. The sector must adapt systems for seat allocation and price transparency; rules apply to non-EU carriers departing from EU airports. Formal Council ratification is pending, with implementation expected by September 2027.