Each year, over 13 billion journeys by plane, train, coach, bus, or ferry are made within the EU. In 2022 alone, 55.5 million package holidays were sold in the EU. The protection and continuous improvement of travelers’ rights have thus become a central initiative of the European Union.

In November 2023, the European Commission published the so-called “Passenger Mobility Package.” This package aims, among other things, to strengthen passenger rights and introduce more effective regulations for package holidays.

Strengthening Passenger Rights

The passenger regulations for air, rail, sea, and bus travel foresee largely similar changes. On the one hand, national enforcement bodies – in Austria, for example, the Agency for Passenger and Traveler Rights (apf) – are required to conduct more intensive monitoring. This monitoring should be carried out both announced and unannounced through audits, inspections, surveys, reviews, and examination of documents.

On the other hand, the provision of information regarding passenger rights is to be provided electronically in the future. Additionally, the introduction of a standardized refund form is planned, though its use will not be mandatory for travelers. The proposal also includes solutions for refund issues concerning flight tickets booked through travel agents.

The “Passenger Mobility Package” also contains a new regulation for travelers using multiple modes of transport, such as plane, train, and bus, and who miss connections due to delays. The regulation for multimodal travel addresses this existing gap and includes provisions for reimbursement when connections are missed, while under certain conditions, it allows for liability exemption for online travel agents.

More Effective Regulations for Package Holidays

A significant new aspect of the Package Travel Directive concerns the regulation of vouchers: travelers must be informed that they are not obligated to accept a voucher. Furthermore, each voucher must be protected against insolvency. The insolvency protection does not only apply to vouchers but to refunds in general and should be granted within three months after the traveler has submitted their refund request with all necessary documentation.

A recourse provision allows the tour operator to demand a full refund of all payments from the service provider within seven days if a service is canceled or not provided.

Although no EU-wide travel warning will be introduced, it is clarified that official travel warnings are crucial for assessing a free cancellation. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic and given current crisis situations due to natural disasters and wars, this is a particularly important aspect.

Don’t hesitate to contact our Team to learn more about the Passenger Mobility Package.