Several European consumer associations launched on Monday 10 December 2018 coordinated actions to denounce the “no show” clause of the airlines. But what is it ? Explanations.
Before buying a plane ticket, it is essential to read carefully the general conditions of sale. And for good reason, the companies insert clauses that one does not suspect like that of “no show”, when one takes a return ticket or with correspondences.
If a passenger does not take his flight and does not warn the airline, the airline can automatically cancel the return ticket. Example: you bought a ticket Paris – London – Paris, non exchangeable or refundable. For one reason or another, you did not take the first flight and you decide to go to London otherwise. If you have not warned the company, it can then brandish the “no show” clause.
Result: she considers that the contract with you is broken and decides to cancel your return ticket. You find yourself stuck in London, having to buy another ticket to get home. Some companies have the goodness not to cancel the ticket but on the other hand requires a supplement usually very salty. At Air France, this increase goes for example from 125 to 500 euros, says Le Monde.
A practice soon forbidden?
The “no show” has something to jump. The practice is now denounced by several consumer associations. “The” no show “clause is simply unfair,” said Monique Goyens, director general of the European Consumers Bureau (BEUC), in a statement on Monday (December 10th). Especially since it is “drowned in terms and conditions”. “The passenger has paid for the tickets and expects to be able to use them. You may have missed your flight, or have found a better way to get to point B, there is no excuse for the airlines to cancel the rest of your ticket, “she said. added.
BEUC, which brings together several consumer associations, has sent a letter to the European Commission asking it to ban this practice. Two organizations, in the Netherlands and Greece, have filed a lawsuit against the Dutch company KLM, reports BEUC. The consumer association Which? for its part sent letters prior to a similar action to ask Air France, KLM, Swiss, Qatar, Emirates, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Flybe and Singapore Airlines to stop using it.
