Coronavirus: UFC-Que Choisir chooses 20 airlines

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In France, the consumer defense association UFC-Que Choisir goes to war against the airlines which refuse to reimburse the millions of passengers whose flight has been canceled because of the coronavirus and border closings. The UFC said on Tuesday May 19 that it had brought 20 global airlines to justice

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Air France, Ryanair, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, or Royal Air Maroc, Tunisair and Air Algérie, in total, 20 airlines are assigned by the UFC-Que Choisir before the Paris Court.

The consumer defense association asks them to respect European law, which requires companies to reimburse passengers whose flights have been canceled.

Some European countries had called to suspend this obligation, in order not to further weaken companies already hard hit by the coronavirus crisis, but the European Commission recalled last week the rules of the game, a canceled flight = refunded flight . A postponement or credit note is however possible, but only with the passenger's agreement.

However, many airlines still offer no cash refunds, but only vouchers, "  deliberately violating, according to UFC-Que Choisir, the rights of passengers  ".

Last April, the association had given notice to 57 companies to change their practices, most of them resigned themselves. Those who persevered are now facing legal proceedings.

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• Transport
• Economy
• Coronavirus