Information current at 5 May 2020
For current advice on international travel, please see the Smartraveller website here.
To help Australian consumers, we have outlined a few commonly asked questions below.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q. I want to cancel or change my booking, why can't I get through to my travel agent/airline/tour operator?
The Australian travel industry is experiencing an unprecedented volume of cancellations, changes and enquiries. ATAS accredited travel agents are working tirelessly to support affected consumers. We encourage all consumers to email the agent unless you are travelling within 48 hours.
Businesses are placing a priority on customers travelling within 48 hours, and also Australians needing to return to Australia. We ask for your patience and understanding as these bookings are prioritised at this time.
Check the business and/or end supplier website for any further specific information on how they are dealing with the crisis, and handling refunds/credits. Some airlines and cruise lines have made official statements regarding blanket future credits.
The ACCC has also states:
“We also remind consumers that many small and medium business are trying to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak as best they can. We urge consumers to exercise patience and treat service staff with courtesy and respect as they fulfil consumer requests for refunds and remedies,” Mr Sims said.
Q. The agent has said it may take months to process my refund/credit, is that right?
Many airlines, tour companies and hotels do, in normal circumstances, take up to 12 weeks to process refunds. This is not unusual. Customers also need to understand that there are significant delays in processing at this time and that your travel agent is working as hard as they can to support all their customers.
Q. My flight, cruise or tour has been cancelled. Am I entitled to a refund or credit?
The ACCC has advised that if your travel is cancelled due to government restrictions, this impacts your rights under the consumer guarantees.
You should refer to the terms and conditions of your booking. This includes any ‘force majeure’ clause which may be enlivened due to Covid-19. You should check the terms and conditions to see what is stipulated in the event of ‘force majeure’.
If there is no ‘force majeure’ clause the ‘doctrine of frustration’ at common law may apply to the contract. This releases parties from their contractual obligations due to an event that is outside of both parties control. Some States have incorporated this doctrine into legislation, and thus frustrated contracts are determined by legislation in the following states:
SA: Frustrated Contracts Act 1988
VIC: Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012
NSW: Frustrated Contracts Act 1978
The application therefore varies across States in relation to frustrated contracts and whilst parties are released from their obligations, there is a common goal of restoring balance and fairness. This includes the recovery of ‘reasonable expenses’ which would enable travel agents to apply fees for their time in managing the contract.
To view the ACCC advice please see here > COVID-19 Information for Consumers
Each state has also issued advice regarding the cancellation of travel due to travel restrictions:
NSW >
VIC >
QLD >
SA >
WA >
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) helps explain more about travel credits in this informative video > https://youtu.be/MXycxvjETp0
Q. I’ve been charged cancellation fees, is this allowed under these circumstances?
As outlined above, the terms and conditions of your contract will determine what cancellation/service fees may be applied and where the contract is ‘frustrated’ travel agents can recover their reasonable expenses.
Q. I’ve been offered a credit, but I want a refund. Can I get a refund?
Travel agents, in most circumstances, act as agents for the supplier. In most circumstances, the funds have been transferred to the end supplier and is not held by the travel agent. If the supplier has offered a credit, then the agent continues to act as agent in passing on the end suppliers offer.
Q. Are travel agent service fees allowed?
Travel agents, like everyone else, deserve to be paid for work
that they do especially in situations like COVID-19 which are not of their making and which are considerably more complex and time
consuming than normal.
Travel agents make their revenue when they make the booking and
the customer takes the travel, they do not receive revenue from suppliers for cancellations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a very difficult set of
circumstances for both travel agents and their customers. In some circumstances travel agents will charge a fee for the work being done to cancel or re-arrange bookings. It is both fair and reasonable that travel agents are paid for the work they undertake and in order to operate their business.
Q. What about travel insurance?
Travellers whose plans have been disrupted should first contact their travel agent, airline, accommodation provider or tour operator to seek a refund or to make alternative travel arrangements. Once the traveller has secured any available refunds or made alternative travel arrangements, they may then speak to their insurer about any remaining financial loss.
Q. If I'm returning back into Australia from overseas travel, what do I need to do?
