Summertime is vacation time. Finally getting away from the daily routine and find time for the beautiful things in life. Even worse, when suddenly problems occur and disturb the long-desired journey. A list of ECC Austria shows how to react to which situation and where to turn to for help.
27.07.2015 / Information for tourists
22.07.2015 / New app by ECC Germany
Car rental companies tended to cause anger among consumers in the past. Many conflicts are based on lack of transparency regarding the online booking process as well as payment demands due to alleged damages on the car.
21.07.2015 / Leading providers promise changes
30.06.2015 / Caution when buying visa online
30.06.2015 / Insecurity after terrorist attack
29.06.2015 / No new bans
Overview of the rules set out in the EU-Regulation No. 261/2004.
26.05.2015 / Until the end of may, passengers can rebook their flights to Air Baltic
18.05.2015 / Flyer of ECC Austria with helpful tips for a relaxed journey
18.05.2015 / Tips from ECC Austria regarding arrival, accommodation and tickets
Online travel agencies are very popular today. Most consumers like to book their flights online. But some problems tend to raise anger among consumers: Additional fees that only appear at the very end of the booking process.
There are only a few days left before the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) starts in Vienna. Preparations began weeks ago and fans already celebrated the first parties under this year's motto "Building Bridges".
04.05.2015 / Ongoing cancellations of flights - affected passengers can cancel or rebook free of charge.
28.04.2015 / Government declared state of emergency in affected regions after natural disaster.
A new EU Directive regulates that EU citizens in emergency situations can make use of consular protection worldwide. Even if their home country is not represented at their destination, they are entitled to equal treatment by diplomatic or consular authorities of other EU Member States.
20.04.2015 / The portal "Your Europe" - in cooperation with DG MOVE - organises a live Facebook chat on 28th April regarding EU passenger rights.
20.03.2015 / Changing safety situation unsettles consumers who plan trips to Tunisia
18.03.2015 / Long distance and cargo flights affected
17.03.2015 / Short and medium haul flights affected
An EU-wide market study points out weaknesses and problems.
Regarding online travel booking, hidden traps and obstacles are not uncommon. The European Consumer Centre provides tips and help.
Better protection for holiday-makers.
Regrettably this article is only available in German
Those wo want to be flexible and mobile at their holiday destination often book their rental car online in advance. ECC Austria summarised important tips.
Many travellers take the chance to explore foreign countries with a rental car. ECC Austria shows how to avoid problems.
Legal regulations in Austria and the EU
A new service for Austrian consumers: the gas price database!
Online or offline - what you should consider before booking a journey.
07.11.2014 / Concerned consumers can turn to Verein für Konsumenteninformation VKI.
From 1 November 2014 it is obligatory within the EU that all new cars have a so called Tire Safety System (TSS).
Three leading providers have to work on their website to adjust it to the Services Directive. It prohibits discrimination of consumers due to their place of residence or nationality. The car rental companies Hertz, Avis and Europcar will redesign their business practices after a "constructive dialog" with the European Commission.
The Ebola epidemic in West Africa spreads insecurity among European consumers. The European Consumer Centre Austria (ECC) provides information about the current situation.
26.09.2014 / Information from ECC Romania regarding the insolvency of SC Necessair Consulting SRL - Fly Romania.
The Court of Justice of the European Union has decided that baggage fees of airlines are legitimate. This is valid only for check-in luggage, not hand luggage. And: Consumers need to be informed about such fees during the booking process.
A court in Salzburg (Austria) asked the CJEU to define the term “arrival time” in the context of air travel. The decision: You have arrived, when the doors open and passengers can leave the airplane.
Contractual partner, comparison portal, intermediary, operator: When you book a journey, it is important to know who your contractual partner is. Sounds simple, but with online booking, things can get confusing. The European Consumer Centre Austria has summarised the most important terms for you.
07.08.2014 / ECC-Flyer for sport fans
Many Austrian consumers like to drive their own car on vacation.
The European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net) developed an App to support consumers while travelling in Europe. In 25 languages, the mobile application helps in situations like lost baggage, delayed flights or return of damaged goods.
Despite the existence of a clear legal framework, online flight bookings are often combined with obstacles and financial traps.
16.05.2014 / EU Commission published a report regarding complaints of air passengers in the period of 2010 to 2012.
National authorities checked 552 websites of travel providers. 69% did not meet the European consumer law and were asked to adapt their content. Meanwhile 62% followed the request.
By clicking on „accept“, you explicitly consent to transfer data to the USA. Caution: The US does not ensure an comparable adequate level of protection like the EU. Due to surveillance laws such as FISA 702, Youtube (Google Inc) is obliged to hand over your personal data to US authorities. There is no adequacy decision of the European Commission for the transfer of data to the USA. Furthermore, Youtube (Google Inc) cannot offer appropriate safeguards for compliance with an adequate level of protection comparable to that of the EU. Hence, in the US you do not have enforceable data subject rights and effective legal remedies that are equivalent to the level of protection guaranteed within the EU.
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