As the coronavirus crisis continues, many airline passengers are still waiting for refunds from cancelled bookings. Meanwhile, some passengers have discovered that they would have to pay extra - thousands of dollars, in some cases - to rebook their cancelled flights for a different date.

Recently, a Lufthansa customer in Germany was asked to pay around $5,000 to change their travel dates after the airline cancelled their flight. The matter was taken to court in Germany and the airline lost. In this episode, Matt Graham chats to Dr Matthias Böse, the lawyer that defended this court case.

You'll also hear about the latest Australian airline news and the current refund policies of Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin Australia.

 

Episode contents:

1:09 - Fortnightly news round-up
10:22 - Interview with Dr Matthias Böse - Lufthansa loses a recent court case on rebooking fees
18:40 - Interview with Dr Matthias Böse - Consumer rights & air passenger protections in the European Union
27:00 - Interview with Dr Matthias Böse - Lufthansa Miles&More changes
30:10 - Interview with Dr Matthias Böse - Berlin Brandenburg Airport is finally opening!
35:50 - Current refund & travel credit policies of Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia

 

Links:

AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Court: Airlines Can’t Charge More to Rebook Cancelled Flights
How to Use Qantas Flight Credit Vouchers
Qantas Waives Classic Flight Reward Cancellation Fees
Velocity Reinstates Limited Domestic Flight Redemptions
Qatar Airways’ Generous New Rebooking Policy
Refunds & Credits for Unused Travel Insurance Policies

 

Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

The Future of Travel Without a COVID-19 Vaccine
NSW Re-Opening for Regional Travel
Amex, Flybuys Reinstate Velocity Transfers
LATAM Airlines Files for Bankruptcy
List of Emirates Carrier Charges
Qantas to Fly Boeing 787 to Johannesburg
Qatar Airways Status Match for Velocity Members