Overbooking in Russia: what awaits passengers and what rules the Ministry of transport prepares
The Ministry of Transport is preparing amendments that will legalize overbooking (selling more tickets than seats on the plane) and establish rules for compensation to passengers. The bill will apply to flights operated at least twice a day. Airlines will have to warn in advance about the possibility of overbooking, and in case of refusal to transport - pay compensation.
Why should I?
Carriers use overbooking to compensate for losses due to non-appearance of passengers (according to experts, their share reaches 10%). Legalization of the practice should allow you to sell tickets “for vacant seats” and not to lay the risks of non-appearance in the cost of the flight. The innovation is supported, in particular, by Aeroflot and other airlines.
Who they want to protect
It is planned to allocate categories of passengers for which overbooking will not apply: for example, passengers with children and people with disabilities. According to the representative of the All-Russian Association of Passengers, the passenger will be able to refuse to participate in overbooking; if he agrees, he will receive compensation. It is also expected that the passenger will be notified in advance (for example, the day before departure), so that he does not have to come to the airport in uncertainty.
Why the tourism industry is against
The Russian Union of Travel Industry (PCT) does not support the initiative. In organized tourism, the transfer of departure can lead to the loss of paid services (accommodation, transfers, excursions), including non-refundable rates. Compensation to the passenger will not cover the losses of the tour operator. In addition, by law, the tour operator is responsible to the tourist for the entire tourist product, even if the failure occurred due to the fault of the carrier.
How to reduce the risk of overbooking
- Check in online (usually available 24 hours before departure)
- Select and pay for the place in advance;
- Come to the airport in advance;
- participate in loyalty programs (passengers with premium status are often left on the flight);
- In high season, avoid the cheapest tickets at non-refundable and baggage-free rates.
What to do if you are denied landing
If a passenger arrived on time, but was denied boarding due to lack of seats, the airline violates the contract of carriage. In this case, the carrier must offer an alternative (another flight, upgrade), bonuses or compensation. The passenger has the right to issue a forced refusal, return the cost of the ticket and demand compensation for confirmed losses, as well as compensation for moral damage.
It is important to obtain from the representative of the airline a document confirming the refusal to board (ticket mark or certificate) indicating the reason, and keep the ticket, boarding pass, checks and other supporting documents. First, you need to send a written claim to the carrier - he must respond within 30 days. If the requirements are not satisfied, you can contact the transport prosecutor's office or the court.
Source: https://www.interfax-russia.ru/, photo: personalguide
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