Consumers Association and ANWB: very bad with flight vouchers | Money

Airlines are legally obligated to return their money within 7 days to affected travelers, but due to financial difficulties, they instead pay coupons.

Based on the complaints, the Consumers Association and ANWB have established that many things go wrong, they report in a joint press release on Wednesday. For example, some providers would impose additional costs on the voucher, such as luggage and seat payments. There is also little flexibility to rename airline tickets. Also, providers refuse to refund money if consumers have good reason to reject the coupon.

Not guaranteed

Flight vouchers are not guaranteed if the airline files for bankruptcy, so in principle the traveler will lose their money. In late March, Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen (Infrastructure and Water Management) announced that he tolerates the system with coupons for air tickets. As a result, the Dutch state may be held liable later if an airline goes down, travel lawyer Frans de Bray previously told De Telegraaf.

Warranty

According to the ANWB and the Consumers Association, the balance goes too far to the detriment of consumers, however much they understand the need for airlines. “It cannot be the case that a consumer, either temporarily or not, relinquishes his right to a refund and is subsequently left empty-handed if the company goes bankrupt.” If the minister accepts the coupons, the government must guarantee at the national or European level, “spokeswoman Joyce Donat said.

Exchange for money

Both organizations also want consumers to be able to redeem the coupon for money sooner if they don’t use it. The term is now set at 12 months, which is longer than in many other countries. As a result, Dutch travelers are at additional risk if travelers from those countries have already received compensation from the airlines.

ANWB Director Frits van Bruggen: “We would like to support the minister to accept the coupons. But as long as there are such significant risks, we can’t do that to our members. “