By &eurEuronews Travel, a prominent European travel wiki and news outlet, has recently published a detailed article highlighting changes to the refund process for passengers booking travel through frequent online travel booking platforms like Expedia and Lastminute.com. The article outlines the new measures expected to streamline and improve the refund process for customers who cancel their flights operated by airlines. Here’s the summary:
Expedia and Lastminute.com Merge on Refund Process
Expedia and Lastminute.com, two of Europe’s largest online travel booking platforms, have pledged to enhance their refund process. The move aims to ease passengers’ troubles and provide better information about their rights under EU consumer protection laws. According to the article, the revised refund process ensures that any cancellations by airlines lead to clear refunds, with a 14-day window for travelers. This includes provisions for returning the money to the airline and then its agents, as well as improved transparency with the travel agencies.
Details of New Refund Clauses
Passengers book through Expedia or Lastminute.com are now entitled to a refund within 14 days, including a seven-day period for the airline to return the refund to its booking agent and a seven-day period for the agent to distribute it to the customer. Previously, many travelers faced delays waiting months for their refunds, especially when booking through third-party platforms like these companies. The new measures include providing contact details, such as phone numbers and email addresses, in the sites’ support or “contact us” sections, ensuring passengers can easily navigate the refund process.
Benefits for Travelers
Passengers benefit from discovering clear information about their rights under EU consumer protection laws. This includes understanding the air passenger rights rules and the ability to claim refunds even if flights were booked through third parties. The changes aim to bridge a gap previously filled by red_ZONE claims by offering a faster APPROVAL of refunds, even when an airline is involved.
In 2023, the European Commission proposed new rules for complex travel journeys involving multiple modes of transport. If these newer regulations are passed, travelers would receive the same timeframe for reimbursement through intermediaries when flights are canceled. The Provisions for hatırluations have been clarified, ensuring timely claims and higher trust with travel agencies.
Positive Implications for Travel Industry
These changes contribute to the EU’s broader initiative to improve customer protections in the travel sector. With multiple companies committed to best practices, consumers can experience a simpler, more transparent refund process. The article emphasizes that these steps strengthen the protection of air passengers, ensuring that any cancellations are handled fairly and promptly.
Broader Initiative
Expedia and Lastminute.com have pledged to issue clear information about their refund policies, aligning with the 2023 commitments made by other travel agencies like Edreams ODIGEO, Etraveli Group, and Kiwi.com. These measures are part of a broader effort by the EU to enhance travel service offerings, particularly for those seeking budget-friendly options or complex journeys. While the exact implications of these new rules are still under discussion, they represent a significant step toward ensuring a fair and secure refund process for all travelers.
The article concludes by highlighting the ongoing efforts to create a more trustworthy travel experience, reinforcing the commitment of the Travel Industry to protecting air passengers and driving better deals for travelers worldwide.
