Mobility club expects price increases and gives tips on cancellation and entry

A lot has changed as a result of the pandemic - but the desire to travel is particularly great again this year and many countries are relaxing entry regulations. “Restrictions on site can probably still be expected in the summer of 2022. In addition, the travel industry generally expects higher prices due to rising energy costs," says ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner. So that nothing stands in the way of your dream holiday, the mobility club already has tips for optimal preparation.

Package tours offer better protection than individual trips

What travelers have to be prepared for: The 2022 summer vacation will be more expensive due to rising fuel and kerosene prices. Higher operating costs can also lead to rising prices for accommodation. “Previously booked package holidays with a fixed price offer financial security. Price increases are possible for travel packages that include flights and accommodation, but only up to 20 days before the start of the trip at the latest. This must also be expressly provided for in the contract and the price change must relate to certain costs such as fuel or exchange rates," explains Pronebner. In addition, travelers are to be informed clearly and in writing about the increase in prices. If the trip is more than eight percent more expensive, you have the right to withdraw from the trip free of charge and have all payments already made returned. Attention: If you do not comment within the period set by the organizer, the price increase is considered accepted.

In principle, flight companies cannot simply retrospectively increase the price of individually purchased tickets without the consent of the passenger. This is only possible if the airline has contractually reserved the right to increase prices.

When is free cancellation possible?

When booking a package tour or accommodation, you should always pay close attention to the general terms and conditions of the provider: They contain the cancellation conditions. What is particularly important is under what circumstances and by when a booking can be canceled free of charge.

The closer the trip gets, the higher the cancellation costs. A free cancellation of the trip is only possible due to new, extraordinary circumstances, such as e.g. Natural disasters at the holiday destination are possible - the corona pandemic no longer counts as a new circumstance. “If a certain circumstance was already known at the time of booking the trip, then free cancellation by customers is no longer possible. Therefore, it can make sense to question the cancellation conditions carefully when booking and, if necessary, to have them confirmed in writing by the organizer,” advises the ÖAMTC lawyer.

The situation is more complicated for individual travelers: In the event of a cancellation, the respective cancellation conditions must be clarified with each individual service provider, from the accommodation to the local rental car company. In principle, the following applies: If the providers can provide their service, there is no entitlement to a free cancellation.

Travel cancellation or cancellation insurance taken out in good time only covers the costs of a trip that has not been taken if there is an insured reason, such as an unexpected illness. Many travel insurers currently cover the cost of interrupting or canceling a trip if one of the travelers falls ill with Covid-19, someone living in the same household falls ill and the traveler’s presence is required, or if quarantine is imposed. However, if you no longer want to travel due to the increasing number of cases, fear of illness or strict local measures, insurance will not help and you have to bear the cancellation costs yourself.

Entry regulations and measures on site

The be-all and end-all of a successful trip is information in advance: The corona measures on site can not only change quickly, but also differ within a country. In order not to experience any nasty surprises when visiting a restaurant or museum, you should find out about the respective measures on site before you start your journey. "It is also advisable to check the specific rules for entry and the measures on site in good time and to ensure that the 3-G certificate is still valid," concludes ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner.