EU and holidays: Expedia and Lastminute.com to refund consumers within 14 days for cancelled flights

Brussels – Good news for consumers, travelers, and air passengers in the EU: everybody will receive refunds within a maximum of 14 days in the event of a cancelled flight. Expedia and Lastminute.com officially commit to prompt compensation. The online tour operators’ policy comes after dialogue with the European Commission and consumer associations, proving that air passenger rights are back at the heart of EU action.

“In the midst of the summer holiday season, Expedia and Lastminute.com are sending a clear signal that they take consumers’ rights seriously, particularly when consumers are affected by flight cancellations,” said a satisfied Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Justice and Consumer Protection. “The good news for consumers is simple: if your flight is cancelled, you can now expect to get your money back faster.”

The commitments of the two platforms include greater transparency. Specifically, the contact details of online travel agencies, such as telephone numbers and email addresses, will be provided in the support or “Contact Us” sections of their respective websites, so that consumers can easily contact them. Moreover, information on the specific benefits associated with the different service packages offered by online travel agencies will be made clearer to consumers.