CANCELED FLIGHT REFUNDS: EXPEDIA AND LASTMINUTE.COM PLEDGE PAYMENTS WITHIN 14 DAYS FOR EU CONSUMERS

Good news for European travelers: The two online tourism giants have made binding commitments with the European Commission and consumer associations to ensure faster refunds for canceled flights.

Brussels – Get your refund within a maximum of 14 days if your flight is canceled. This is excellent news for EU consumers and holidaymakers: Expedia and Lastminute.com have officially committed to ensuring timely compensation. This new policy from the two major online travel operators comes after a dialogue with the European Commission and consumer associations, demonstrating that the issue of air passenger rights is back at the center of the European Union's agenda.

"In the midst of the summer season, Expedia and Lastminute.com are sending a strong signal that they take consumer rights seriously, especially when affected by flight cancellations," emphasized Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Justice and Consumer Protection. "The good news for consumers is simple: if your flight is canceled, you can now expect to get your money back faster."

The main change is that, for canceled flights, Expedia and Lastminute.com will commit to transferring refunds from the airline to the consumer within 7 days of the online travel agency receiving the refund from the airline, thus guaranteeing a refund to the consumer within a maximum of 14 days. The two internet operators have also stated that they have cleared any existing refund backlogs.

Greater Transparency and Clearly Stated Rights

As part of the commitments made by the two platforms, there will also be greater transparency. Specifically, the contact details of the online travel agencies, such as phone numbers and email addresses, will be provided more accessibly in the support or "Contact Us" sections of their respective websites, making it easier for consumers to obtain the relevant information for their case.

Furthermore, information on the specific benefits associated with different service packages offered by online travel agencies will be made clearer to consumers.

Finally, consumers will be clearly informed of their legal rights, as stipulated by the Air Passenger Rights Regulation, regarding re-routing or reimbursement in the event of a flight cancellation by the airline.