Travel problems? You have these rights with package holidays!

Travel problems? You have these rights with package holidays!

Many people book package holidays for their summer holidays, but they often wonder what their rights are, especially if there are changes after booking. Micaela Schwanenberg, legal advisor at the Saxony Consumer Center, explains what travelers can expect in such cases. In principle, providers are only allowed to increase prices if they are contractually agreed, which must be secured by an effective price change clause. If the price of the trip increases by more than 8%, customers have the right to cancel free of charge. Increases are only permitted if they occur for reasons that are difficult to foresee, such as increased fees or taxes, and they must be announced at least 20 days before the start of the trip.

Another point that often concerns travelers is changes at the airport. As a rule, changing airports is unreasonable unless it is for security reasons and travel time is not significantly affected. Changing airlines is also permitted, but only if this was not guaranteed in the contract. If flight times change significantly, for example if the flight departs more than four hours earlier or later, travelers have the right to cancel free of charge or to request a replacement flight.

Hotel changes and travel deficiencies

Changes that affect the hotel must be assessed differently. A change to a hotel that is comparable in category, facilities and location is considered reasonable. However, if there are serious deviations, travelers can assert warranty rights or cancel the booking free of charge. Travel defects occur if agreed services are not provided or are only partially provided. It is advisable to document such defects immediately and report them to the organizer, otherwise the right to a price reduction or compensation could be lost.

The booking can be canceled at any time before the start of the trip, but appropriate compensation for the organizer must be taken into account. However, in exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters or price increases of more than 8%, free cancellation may occur. The organizer himself also has the right to cancel, for example if the minimum number of participants is not reached, whereby the travel price must be refunded within 14 days.

Deadlines and contact persons

The following applies to the cancellation periods: If the trip lasts more than 6 days, cancellation 20 days before the start of the trip is recommended. For trips of 2 to 6 days, 7 days are allowed and for trips of less than 2 days, 48 ​​hours are allowed. Providers are obliged to provide the agreed travel services. Changes must be clearly noted in the contract and can only be made within reason. If there are any problems, travelers can contact the organizer, the local tour guides or travel agencies directly. There is also the option of contacting arbitration boards to resolve conflicts.