The main holiday season 2022 is coming to an end. Demand is significantly higher this year than last year. Accordingly, there were also significantly more problems. Many flights were canceled or massively delayed. Even in the hotels not everything corresponded to the promises in the travel brochures.

The Vienna Chamber of Labor selected 377 cases from the multitude of complaints and analyzed them. On this basis, the consumer advocates give some valuable tips, because holidaymakers should by no means simply be fobbed off by tour operators, airlines and other service providers.

Missed vacation - what you can do:

• Claim claims: After your return, assert your claims, preferably by registered letter. The contact person for travel defects in package tours is the tour operator. For claims under the Air Passenger Rights Regulation, you must contact the airline that should have operated or operated the flight. Sample letters can be found at wien.arbeiterkammer.at.
  
• Don't get fed: Don't let vouchers get rid of your justified complaints. A price reduction is to be paid in cash by the tour operator. Compensation payments under the Air Passenger Rights Ordinance must also be paid out, unless you agree in writing to a voucher.

What's in return?

• The Frankfurt table provides guidance on the amount of the price reduction for package tours.
  
• Lost holiday joy: You may be entitled to compensation, for example for loss of holiday enjoyment. The tour operator or his partner, such as the airline or hotel, must be at fault. An example: diarrhea caused by a spoiled buffet. Always document the facts in detail. Whether there is a claim for damages depends on the individual case.

For the next trip – you should do this:

• Complain and document: Complain about travel defects on site. Document the deficiencies (e.g. photos, witnesses, videos) so that you have evidence.
  
• Book directly with the provider: There are often problems with cancellations when refunding the travel or flight price if you booked your trip via an online booking portal. Many complaints show that consumers like to be sent back and forth between the airline and the online booking portal, especially in the case of flight cancellations.