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Travel

Terror attack in Tunisia

20.03.2015 / Changing safety situation unsettles consumers who plan trips to Tunisia

Lufthansa strike

17.03.2015 / Short and medium haul flights affected

Online travel agencies

Regarding online travel booking, hidden traps and obstacles are not uncommon. The European Consumer Centre provides tips and help.

Booking rental cars online

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.

On tour with a rental car

Many travellers take the chance to explore foreign countries with a rental car. ECC Austria shows how to avoid problems.

Booking a journey

Online or offline - what you should consider before booking a journey.

Car rental companies change business practices

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.

Ebola: ECC Austria informs

The Ebola epidemic in West Africa spreads insecurity among European consumers. The European Consumer Centre Austria (ECC) provides information about the current situation.

CJEU: Airlines are allowed to charge baggage fees

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.

CJEU: Arrival is, when the doors are open

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.

Little dictionary for booking a journey

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.

ECC-Net: Travel App

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.

Booking a flight online

Despite the existence of a clear legal framework, online flight bookings are often combined with obstacles and financial traps.

Spring cleaning at European travel websites

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.

European Union updates Air Safety List

The European Commission has updated the "Black List" of Airlines which are banned in the EU. With a new search tool, consumers can now easily find relevant information.

New service hotline

The European Consumer Centre Austria helps consumers when they are in danger due to unforeseen occurrences like natural catastrophe, political unrests or terror attacks.

Evaluation of the EU Timeshare Directive

In February 2011, a new EU Directive on Timesharing was enacted to improve consumer protection in this area. If it works effectively is to be evaluated by an Europe-wide survey of the EU.

Traffic rules in the EU

The European commission (DG MOVE) provides a practical overview of the most important traffic rules in all EU Member States.

Vignette or toll

There is a wide range of regulations. The ÖAMTC gives an overview on how and where to pay.

Speed limits on the roads of Europe

The ÖAMTC informes about speed limits observed when driving abroad. Many Austrians use their car for a holiday get-away. Just driving off without any particular information can be expensive, because of the different speed limits in European countries. To save money and nerves the ÖAMTC tourism has summarized the main differences.

Read first and click after

Online booking is comfortable but not without problems. Only one click transforms a virtual offer into a binding contract.