Airlines Ask For The Ability To Deny Refunds

The IATA is ‘disappointed’ with the European Commission Guidelines on EU261. Normally airlines have to pay cash compensation when flights are cancelled, the European Commission ruled that due to the COVID-19 these cash compensations are not required to be paid. IATA says that this isn’t enough assistance and that they also want:

1. Recognition that no compensation is due in the event of cancellations due to COVID-19;
2. A limitation on the extensive obligations to provide care and assistance in the event of cancellations due to COVID-19;
3. Flexibility to allow airlines to offer rebooking or vouchers in place of refunds in the event of cancellations due to the pandemic.

United is already two steps ahead of the IATA with it’s policy of offer flight vouchers instead of cash.

Hat tip to VFTW