The number of complaints about airlines to the arbitration board for public transport (SÖP) increased significantly in August.

In the flight area, 2593 arbitration requests were received, as the SÖP announced on Monday on request.

That was more than three times as many as in August 2021, which was still marked by the corona pandemic.

Compared to the pre-crisis August 2019, there was an increase of 23 percent.

The "Tagesspiegel" had previously reported on it.

An end to the wave of complaints does not seem to be in sight for the time being.

"We assume that we will receive numerous requests for arbitration in the next few days," said SÖP Managing Director Sabine Cofalla.

By September 23, 2404 applications had already been received by the SÖP.

"The trend currently emerging for September could continue into November," said Cofalla.

The SÖP is recognized by the federal government as an arbitration board for traffic and travel.

Most of the complaints filed there concern compensation for delays or cancellations of flights and train journeys.

There are also a large number of private service providers for flight tickets, who often help customers to obtain refunds more quickly, but, unlike the SÖP, retain part of the sum – sometimes more than 20 percent – ​​as a fee.

Discussion about advance payment for tickets

Thousands of flights had to be canceled this summer, mainly due to staff shortages at airports and airlines.

Until now, it has been customary for travelers to pay for their flight tickets immediately after booking.

The state of Lower Saxony has submitted an application to the Bundesrat to abolish advance payment for flight tickets.

From the point of view of the state government in Hanover, this practice puts passengers at a disadvantage.

After a cancellation, you would have to go through a lengthy process of trying to get a refund.

Therefore, in the future, the fare should only be due when the flight begins.

The aviation industry refuses to move away from prepayment.

The industry association BDL refers, among other things, to internationally customary billing procedures.

Customers could also benefit from the fact that long-term booked flights are cheaper.

In addition, the airlines achieved greater planning security and could better utilize aircraft capacity.

This is also positive in terms of the climate impact of flying.