Flight cancellations: EU regulates refund when booking through third-party providers

In the future, third parties will also have to reimburse the cost of booking a flight if it cancels. This was decided by the European Parliament. In addition, there should be a uniform refund form for almost all means of transport. Anyone who has booked a flight through a third-party provider should in future get their money back in the event of cancellations as well as when booking directly with the airline. The European Parliament voted in Strasbourg for a law that obliges third-party providers – such as online travel platforms – to reimburse. Also incurred intermediation fees must therefore be repaid. In the future, the EU Commission’s website will also include a general download form that allows passengers to request a refund or compensation – whether transported by air, bus, train or ferry. “We create something new for all modes of transport,” says the CDU MEP Jens Giesecke: “We ensure that the rights are easier to enforce.” We no longer have a jungle of bureaucracy, but only a single form. This is a great step forward and makes everything easier. Accessibility should also be noticeably improved. In the future, escorts for people with disabilities will be able to fly free of charge on board aircraft. For bus and train, this rule already exists. In addition, it should be defined uniformly throughout the EU which dogs are approved as assistance dogs. One year for implementation The transport companies and booking portals have one year to adapt. The national supervisory authorities – such as the Federal Aviation Office in Germany – should then check that the industry adheres to the new rules. If companies violate the law, they must expect fines. The new rules are an addition to the air passenger rights reform that was adopted in the summer. The rules concerned, among other things, more clarity in the additional costs for luggage. With the rules, the EU implements a series of judgments of the European Court of Justice (ECJ) into current law. The Council of 27 EU countries has yet to approve the amendments, but this is considered a formality. This will bring to an end a bitter political struggle. Consumer advocates speak of the toughest tug of war for consumer rights ever in the history of the EU. With information from Andreas Meyer-Feist, ARD Brussels