NSW Fair Trading has launched a new campaign reminding excited travellers to check Terms and Conditions before booking holiday travel, accommodation and activities.
Announced by Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson, Fair Trading’s Look before you book campaign reminds consumers to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions when making travel plans.
“The campaign includes a simple checklist that will help people plan their next holiday and ensure they are aware of their rights, especially when travel services have been cancelled,” Mr Anderson said.
In a statement, NSW Fair Trading warned holiday makers that Australian Consumer Law was unlikely to apply to cancellations caused by COVID-19 restrictions and, in such circumstances, getting a refund or date change would often depend on what was agreed to in the booking Terms and Conditions.
“Double-check what your travel or accommodation provider means when they say ‘risk free’ or ‘comes with 100 per cent refund guarantee’,” Fair Trading said.
“These may misrepresent your right to a refund for cancelled travel,” it said.
Mr Anderson said Fair Trading would develop new regulations to ensure travel providers improved and simplified Terms and Conditions for consumers.
“The information standards will clearly outline key Terms and Conditions of the contract relating to cancellations, refunds and credits, processing fees, and any other important exclusions,” he said.
“These changes mean that customers will be fully informed before they commit to a purchase, helping them avoid an unexpected shock if they have to cancel or defer.
“Nobody wants to wade through pages and pages of Terms and Conditions when booking a holiday, but during COVID we’ve received thousands of complaints from members of the public who have unknowingly agreed to cancellation policies they weren’t happy with,” Mr Anderson said.
Further information on Fair Trading’s Look before you book campaign can be accessed at this PS News link.
