What can I do if I was unable to fulfill my travel booking due to insufficient information?
October 16, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Schlittmaier
Dear travel lawyer,
My name is Zofia Falk and I have a question regarding my travel booking. Some time ago, I booked a trip through an online travel agency. Unfortunately, I found that the information about my booked hotel was inadequate and as a result, I was unable to stay there. Upon my arrival, it became clear that the hotel did not meet the advertised standards, and therefore I felt compelled to leave prematurely.
This has caused me significant inconvenience and additional costs. I feel abandoned by the travel agency and I am wondering if I can take legal action to get my money back and possibly claim damages. I would never have booked if I had known the actual conditions and feel deceived by the inadequate information.
Could you please inform me of the options I have in this situation and advise me on the best course of action to protect my rights as a consumer? I would greatly appreciate your legal assessment and recommendations on how to proceed.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Zofia Falk
Dear Mrs. Falk,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your travel booking and the associated problems. I am sorry to hear that you have had negative experiences with your booked hotel and had to leave prematurely as a result. It is important that consumers like you are informed about their rights and know how to proceed in such cases.
In your situation, there are various legal options to protect your rights as a consumer and potentially receive financial compensation. Firstly, you should be aware that travel operators are legally obliged to provide accurate and truthful information about the booked trip. If this information is inadequate or misleading, it may constitute a violation of consumer rights.
In your case, it would be advisable to first contact the travel operator in writing and explain your problem. Request a statement and possible compensation for the inconvenience you have experienced. If the travel operator is not willing to respond appropriately to your complaint, you may consider taking legal action.
You have the right to receive adequate performance according to the concluded travel contract. If this performance was not provided, you may be able to claim a price reduction or even damages. In such a case, it is advisable to consult a lawyer specializing in travel law who can assist you in enforcing your claims.
It is important that you gather all relevant documents and evidence such as booking confirmations, photos, or witness statements to support your claims. The more evidence you can provide, the better your chances of enforcing your rights as a consumer.
I strongly recommend that you promptly contact a lawyer specializing in travel law to receive legal advice and support. Only an expert can assess your situation properly and help you find the best possible solution to your problem.
I hope that my response has been helpful to you and wish you success in enforcing your consumer rights.
Yours sincerely,
Ralf Schlittmaier
Lawyer specializing in travel law
