It is led by the airline giant SAS, which has registered 260 times so far this year.
– As a consumer, you shouldn’t have to insist on getting your money back, says Gunnar Wikström from the Swedish Consumer Agency.
Photo: Johan Nilsson / TT
SAS tops the list of most notified companies this year, according to Råd & Rön’s list of shame.
Råd & Rön has compiled this year’s embarrassing list of companies that attracted the most notifications to the Swedish Consumer Agency during the year.
The companies that are usually on the list are those that in various ways have tried to trick customers into paying windfall money. They are on the list again this year, but it is also clear that the pandemic has made its mark as half of the list is taken up by airlines and travel companies.
Many travelers had their flights and trips canceled due to the crown. But what has bothered many customers is that refunds have been delayed and there have been major gaps in communication with businesses.
SAS tops the list
The airline that tops the list is SAS with 260 registrations so far. In addition to the fact that many did not get their money back, the company also ordered people who bought the tickets through a travel agency to turn to them.
– As a consumer, you shouldn’t have to insist on getting the money back, there should be correct information on how to get a refund, Gunnar Wikström, process advisor at the Swedish Consumer Agency, tells Råd & Rön.
One of many disappointed SAS clients is Anna Gunnarsdotter, who had to wait eight months before getting her money back for a canceled trip to New York. He was also unable to reach the company by phone.
– I didn’t hear from SAS. I felt like I was sitting and submitting web forms in a black hole, she tells Råd & Rön.
Risk of a million in fines
Freja Annamatz is SAS’s press director and believes that the corona pandemic has meant that the company has received a large volume of reimbursement cases, almost 5,000 cases a day.
– Currently, we have reimbursed SEK 4.5 billion to 1.7 million customers. We do everything possible for those customers who are entitled to receive money for their canceled trips. I don’t know exactly when we’ll be ready, but we do our best to be ready as quickly as possible, he tells TT.
The Swedish Consumer Agency wrote on November 5 that SAS must refund the ticket price to customers within seven days of cancellation of flights. They also prohibited the airline from referring customers to travel agencies for a refund. If SAS violates this, the company runs the risk of a fine of SEK 1 million per month. The decision applies from December.
