Weak consumer protections are leaving us in travel cancellation limbo
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us to delay or cancel travel plans over the past two years, but consumers weren't treated fairly. It shouldn't be so hard to get a refund or use a credit.
Last year, CHOICE research revealed that 1 in 5 people (21%) had been unable to use their vouchers after their flights were cancelled due to COVID. Of those who could use their voucher, 44% were forced to pay more than the original cost of the flight.
As many of us return to the skies this year, it hasn't exactly been a smooth ride.
That's why we need clear rules for when things go wrong through no fault of the consumer. And CHOICE’s investigation found that people overwhelmingly want to see changes that make travel refunds easier to access. 66% of Australians would feel more confident booking travel if they had a guaranteed right to a refund.
So we’re calling on consumer affairs ministers to commit to fixing cancellation chaos – and the more of us that come together the stronger our calls will be. With your help, we can keep fair travel in the spotlight.