Which? calls for package travel protections to be retained

The government is to decide which EU laws to scrap following Brexit through its Retained Law Bill, which could include removing some of the current consumer protections provided through the Package Travel Regulations (PTRs).

Which? said that the government was planning to start a consultation into the future of the PTRs and warned that this could lead to “diminished protections when trips are ruined by last-minute changes from package operators or their suppliers”.

The consumer group is arguing that these protections should be preserved by the government for both UK and international holidays, particularly for situations where a consumer has their accommodation changed just before they are due to travel.

Which? added that the government should go further and use the review as an “opportunity to enhance them so that holidaymakers do not face an uphill battle to enforce their rights while abroad, or to get the refunds and compensation they are entitled to when they do not get the holiday they have paid for”. 

Ministers are also being urged to strengthen the powers of the CAA to enforce the PTR rules for flight-inclusive packages, including giving the regulator the ability to fine companies found to be breaking the law.

Jo Rhodes, deputy editor of Which? Travel, said: “It’s bad enough that holidaymakers can face the disappointment of having their accommodation downgraded at the last minute, they certainly shouldn’t be left out of pocket as a result.

“Alarmingly, there is a very real danger that the protections relied upon by millions of travellers every year are at risk of being watered down.

“It’s vital that these protections for holidays at home and abroad are retained – and strengthened – to give consumers full confidence when planning their getaways.”