Since the beginning of the pandemic in March last year, the General Complaints Board, ARN, has received almost 12,000 travel-related cases.
Of these, 7,855 are regular flights, and a further 2,612 relate to package travel or similar arrangements.
More than 5,000 of the reports were received in the first half of 2020, when the travel industry was paralyzed.
But in 2021, the curve has clearly turned down as a result of reduced travel.
During the first six months of the year, almost 2,000 cases were received, according to figures from ARN.
- In 2020, there was a very sharp increase in our travel department, historically completely incomparable figures.
This year we see a very clear reduction instead, says Marcus Isgren, head of ARN.
However, the trend seems to be about to turn around again.
As travel increases again, the number of reports against travel companies has also increased.
- We have very few travel cases right now but we see that it is starting to start a little again, says Marcus Isgren.
"Right to get your money back"
Canceled departures or sudden changes to the destination as a result of the pandemic are some of the most common reasons behind the disputes that have been received since 2020.
- Most often it is about flights that have been canceled or where you have canceled your trip due to the contagious situation at the destination.
The same is true with package travel, either that the company has canceled or that you have canceled yourself due to the infection situation or restrictions, says Marcus Isgren.
During the first half of last year, consumers were right in 46 percent of cases.
This year, the figure for the corresponding period was 49 percent.
- Our recommendations are not binding.
On the other hand, almost all companies follow our decisions.
If we have made a decision, you will almost certainly get your money back if that is what we have said.
But if the company should not follow our decision, it is possible to go to court for the consumer as well.