In the last few days, the number of new corona cases in Europe has risen sharply, in some cases. Peter Kolba's consumer protection association warns that free cancellations are not always easy due to the general pandemic situation.

“Anyone who books trips and hotels in the middle of a pandemic must know that free cancellation can be highly controversial because of a dangerous Covid-19 situation on site. The consumer protection association therefore strongly recommends agreeing such a free cancellation option for bookings, ”says Peter Kolba, chairman of the consumer protection association (VSV). "In February-March 2020, for example, the hoteliers in Ischgl still demanded full payment for their stay from guests who wanted to leave earlier."

The consumer advocate points out, among other things, that if you cannot take a trip due to a Covid-19 infection, this falls under the "risk in your own sphere". If you do not have a corresponding travel cancellation insurance, you usually have to pay the cancellation fee. Kolba assumes that this is usually covered by an appropriate travel cancellation insurance. Nevertheless, you should clarify before taking out whether Covid-19 self-infections are insured, because this is still not the case with all providers.

If, however, the risk of being infected with Covid-19 is high on site and there may be appropriate travel warnings, then that would be a reason for a free withdrawal from the contract, according to Kolba. "But there is a catch: If the situation was foreseeable - and we fear the courts would see it that way - then there is no loss of the basis of the business and no free resignation."

The recommendation of the VSV chairman is: “We therefore recommend that you agree separately (in writing!) When booking with the organizer or the hotel that the hotelier can withdraw from the contract free of charge in the event that the ski area is a risk area is accepted ".