Travel problems? You have these rights on package tours!

Travel problems? You have these rights on package tours!

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

Another point that travelers often affects are changes at the airport. As a rule, changing the airport is unreasonable, unless it takes place for security reasons and the travel time is not significantly influenced. The change of airline is also permitted, but only if it has not been guaranteed in the contract. If the flight times change significantly, for example if the flight starts more than four hours earlier or later, travelers are entitled to withdraw or request a replacement flight.

Hotel change and travel defects

Changes that affect the hotel are to be assessed differently. A move to a hotel that is comparable to the category, equipment and location is considered reasonable. In the event of serious deviations, however, travelers can claim warranty rights or cancel the booking free of charge. Travel defects are given if agreed services are not or only partially provided. It is advisable to document such defects immediately and report to the organizer, otherwise the right to price reduction or compensation could be lost.

The cancellation of the booking is possible at any time before the start of the trip, but adequate compensation for the organizer must be taken into account. However, free cancellation can take place in exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters or for price increases over 8 %. 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 reimbursed within 14 days.

deadlines and contact person

The following applies to the withdrawal periods: With a travel time of more than 6 days, a resignation is recommended 20 days before the start of the trip. There are 7 days for traveling 2 to 6 days and 48 hours are planned for travel of less than 2 days. Providers are obliged to provide the agreed travel services. Changes must be clearly noted in the contract and can only be made within the framework of the reasonable. In the event of problems, travelers can contact the organizer directly, the travel lines on site or travel agencies. There is also the possibility of contacting arbitration boards to solve conflicts.