From a consumer protection perspective, pre-payment for flights is like an interest-free loan to the airlines – delayed repayments are a burden for consumers.
The head of the Federal Association of Consumer Organizations, Ramona Pop, has called for the prepayment principle to be abolished in view of the flight chaos in Germany. “The problems are homemade, especially by the airlines. It can’t be that consumers are now taking the rap and paying in advance for flights that ultimately don’t take place,” Pop told dem Editorial network Germany. “That’s why the principle of advance payment must be abolished.”
Flight is cancelled: In the case of canceled flights, the repayment is often delayed
Consumers are currently giving airlines interest-free loans “so that they are financially liquid again,” Pop criticized. “And right now at a time when consumers urgently need their money themselves.” This summer has “shown once again that the aviation industry does not deserve a leap of faith”.
Regardless of the current situation, the federal association has long been demanding that the price for flights and package tours should be due at the earliest at the time of departure.
In an interview three weeks ago, Federal Consumer Protection Minister Steffi Lemke (Greens) questioned the principle of advance payment, which is common in the industry, provided that the airlines do not promptly refund the money paid in advance for canceled flights. She is still counting on companies to meet their obligations. (dpa)
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