Research by the Dutch Consumers' Association for the Money Guide has shown that it is very difficult for consumers to get money back for a flight that has been canceled due to the consequences of the corona crisis. This is contrary to the rules of the European Commission. According to the consumer association, many European airlines do adhere to the rules, but it is mainly Dutch airlines that flout the rules. Not only are the refund rules not being followed, the rules for rebooking a flight are not being followed.
"Unbelievable," says Sandra Molenaar, director of the Consumers' Association. "In every possible way, the airlines have already been made clear what the rules are. We did that, the European Commission commented on it and even Minister Van Nieuwenhuizen, who initially supported the companies in their actions, came back from it. But these companies don't like the rules. As far as we are concerned, the time has come for strict enforcement. ”
Airline Transavia and KLM announced this week that they will give money back for canceled flights instead of just a voucher. This also applies to passengers who have booked a flight ticket before May 15 and received a voucher. The money-back guarantee initially applied only to passengers with a canceled flight from June 4. Transavia does emphasize on their website that if customers want their money back they need longer to realize this. Customers must keep an eye on the website and Transavia will place more information on their website once the money back process has been set up.
Klm writes in a press release: “In the case of flight cancellations by Air France or KLM, customers can choose between booking a new flight, a voucher or a cash refund regardless of the cancellation date of their flight. Customers who have already received a voucher can still opt for a cash payment of their ticket ”.
