Package tours: your rights and duties at a glance!

Package tours: your rights and duties at a glance!

The lump sum ribbon in Germany ensures an appropriate balance of interest between travelers and tour operators and thus represents an important part of consumer protection. Providers are obliged to provide the travel services in accordance with the agreements made. This also includes that consumers can rely on flight times and deliberately choose the scope of services and travel times.

according to MDR in the contract must indicate possible changes. However, such changes are only possible in the reasonable framework. The reasonableness is evaluated in individual cases, with criteria such as travel time, travel time and the family situation into account.

contractual binding and obligations

A package travel contract is available if at least two different types of travel services, such as the flight and hotel, are offered as a package. Travelers only conclude a contract with the tour operator, not with individual service providers. The tour operator is comprehensively liable for all travel services and possible travel defects, while travel agents are excluded from this liability.

rights of travelers and insolvency protection

After the booking, travelers receive a security certificate that offers further protection. In the case of travel defects, travelers have the right to remedy the defect within a reasonable period. If the defects are rejected unjustifiably, there is also the possibility of self -help and replacement claim.

In addition, travelers can terminate the contract for significant defects without bearing additional costs for return transport. There is also a reduction in the travel price and claims for damages. These claims should be registered promptly after return, since the limitation period is two years.

In the event of bankruptcy of the tour operator, travelers are entitled to reclaim their travel price and to be expected to guarantee return transport. Since November 1, 2021, larger organizers have had to secure their offers via Deutsche Reisensicherungsfonds GmbH (DRSF), while smaller organizers can alternatively secure via insurance or a credit institution. Travelers also have the option of asserting claims directly against the respective security company.

For more information on package ratios, various contact points are available, including consumer advice centers and the European Consumer Center Germany. A brochure on this topic is also available to support travelers comprehensive in their concerns.