Mobility club expects price increases and gives tips on cancellation and entry
A lot has changed due to the pandemic - but the desire to travel is particularly high again this year and many countries are relaxing entry regulations. "However, local restrictions are still to be expected in summer 2022. In addition, the travel industry is generally expecting higher prices due to rising energy costs," says ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner. To ensure that nothing stands in the way of your dream vacation, the mobility club already has tips for optimal preparation.
Package tours offer better protection than individual trips
What travelers will have to prepare for: Summer vacations in 2022 will be more expensive due to rising fuel and kerosene prices. Accommodation prices can also rise due to higher operating costs. "Package tours booked earlier with a fixed price offer financial security. For travel packages that include flights and accommodation, price increases are possible, 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 clearly to certain costs such as fuel or exchange rates," explains Pronebner. In addition, travelers must be informed of the price increase in a clear and understandable manner and in writing. If the trip becomes more expensive by more than eight percent, you have the right to withdraw from the trip free of charge and to have all payments already made refunded. Attention: If you do not comment within the deadline set by the organizer, the price increase is deemed to have been 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 are. A free cancellation of the trip is only possible due to new, exceptional circumstances, such as natural disasters at the holiday destination - the corona pandemic no longer counts as a new circumstance. "If a certain circumstance was already known at the time the trip was booked, then a free cancellation by customers is no longer possible. It can therefore be a good idea to carefully question the cancellation conditions when booking and, if necessary, 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 key to a successful trip is information in advance: Not only can local corona measures change quickly, but they can also differ within a country. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises when visiting a restaurant or museum, you should find out about the respective local measures before you travel. "It is also advisable to check the specific rules for entry and the measures on site in good time and to make sure that the 3G certificate is still valid," advises ÖAMTC lawyer Verena Pronebner in conclusion.