The World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA) is calling on airlines to adopt a more transparent and collaborative approach to airline-imposed surcharges. In its statement, the WTAAA notes that in a complex global political and economic climate, travellers are facing fluctuating costs and disruptions, and in that environment, they are increasingly relying on travel agencies for clarity and support.
And the WTAAA is warning that inconsistent and opaque surcharge practices are eroding consumer trust at precisely the moment when clarity matters most.
Airline-imposed surcharges, often coded as YQ or YR on airline tickets, were originally associated with fuel-cost recovery but are now used more broadly by some carriers as carrier-imposed charges.
They may appear under different labels, including “fuel surcharge” or “international surcharge” and inconsistent terminology and treatment can make it difficult for consumers to understand the true price of travel.
The WTAAA said that it is particularly concerned where airline-imposed surcharges are not refunded after a flight is cancelled, especially when the cancellation is initiated by the airline. In many jurisdictions, including the EU and U.S., refund regimes require repayment of the full ticket amount, including applicable airline-imposed fees, when the passenger is entitled to a refund and does not accept an alternative offered itinerary. read more: source: https://www.travelpress.com/wtaaa-calls-for-transparency-collaboration-on-airline-imposed-surcharges/
