Flight cancellations: EU regulates refunds when booking through third-party providers

Anyone who has booked a flight through a third-party provider should in future get their money back in the event of cancellations, just as if they booked directly with the airline.

In Strasbourg, the European Parliament voted for a law that obliges third-party providers - such as online travel platforms - to reimburse. Any brokerage fees incurred must also be repaid.

A uniform form

In the future, there will also be a general downloadable form on the EU Commission's website with which passengers can apply for reimbursement or compensation - regardless of whether they are transported by flight, bus, train or ferry.

"We are creating something new for all modes of transport," says CDU MEP Jens Giesecke: "We are ensuring that rights are easier to enforce. We no longer have a jungle of bureaucracy, just a single form. That is a big step forward and makes everything easier."

Accessibility should also be noticeably improved. In the future, people accompanying people with disabilities will be allowed to fly on planes free of charge. This rule already exists for buses and trains. In addition, there should be a uniform definition across the EU as to which dogs are approved as assistance dogs.

One year for implementation

The transport companies and booking portals have one year to adapt. The national supervisory authorities - such as the Federal Aviation Authority in Germany - should then check that the industry is adhering to the new rules. If companies violate the law, they must expect fines.

The new rules are an addition to the air passenger rights reform that was passed in the summer. Among other things, the rules were about providing greater clarity regarding the additional costs for luggage.

With the rules, the EU implements a series of rulings by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) into applicable law. The Council of 27 EU countries still has to give final approval to the changes, but this is considered a formality. This will bring to an end a bitter political battle. Consumer advocates speak of the toughest tug-of-war for consumer rights ever in the history of the EU.