Package holidays: new rules to protect those booking online, too
Travellers putting together their own package holidays online will get the same protection as those buying from traditional travel agents under the draft EU rules to be voted by MEPs on Tuesday. MEPs have amended the draft to entitle travellers to cancel a package deal contract if its price rises by more than 8% before they leave. Before buying a travel package, travellers would be entitled to receive clear information on the deal. and who is ultimately responsible if something goes wrong.
The draft law on package travel, which is already agreed with Council and endorsed by it on 18 September, would update the current EU rules on package holidays, which date back to 1990. Since then, the growth in cheap flights and internet sales has substantially changed how travellers plan and buy holidays. According to the EU Commission, the new rules will cover an additional 120 million consumers who prefer to book their travel packages online.
The updated rules widen the definition of “package holidays” to include most types of travel arrangements booked online with various parts, such as flights, hotel accommodation or car hire, so as to protect holidaymakers in the event of problems.
Procedure: co-decision (ordinary procedure), second reading agreement
Debate: Monday, 26 October
Vote: Tuesday, 27 October
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