Air passenger rights

European commission legislation sets out the rights of disabled people and people with reduced mobility when travelling by air.

Last Update 24/04/2023

The European Commission Regulation (EC) N° 1107/2006 sets out the rights of air passengers with a disability or reduced mobility. It came into effect on 15 August 2006 and in short, it:

  • prevents airlines from refusing reservation or boarding because of a person’s reduced mobility or disability
  • guarantees that passengers receive free-of-charge assistance (in airports and on board), making it possible for them to fly like any other passenger.

Read the full text of the European Commission regulation.

Get more information on your travel rights.

European health insurance card

If you are an EU citizen, you are entitled to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The card gives you the right to access state-provided healthcare during a holiday or temporary stay in all EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

The card is free. If you do not yet have one, check how to apply for it in your country, as this varies across the EU. It is important to take the card with you when you travel to any EU country as it covers any state-provided medical treatment you might need before your journey home. With the card, you will be able to receive medical treatments at the same conditions and at the same costs of people in that country.

Find out more about how EHIC works on the European Commission website.

Get country-specific information on the EHIC and how to apply.

European health insurance card app: get information on oxygen therapy

The European Commission has released a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) App, which features comprehensive information on oxygen therapy, as well as other treatments such as dialysis and chemotherapy.

The mobile app is available in 25 languages and explains how to use the card. It provides emergency phone numbers, information about treatments and costs, and how to claim reimbursement. Travellers in need of oxygen therapy can access information on how to get treatment in their destination country, and the app provides links to oxygen therapy suppliers for each country.

Read more about the app and download it.