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Emergency

Package tour got more expensive: is the price increase allowed?

A package tour once booked may not be made arbitrarily more expensive by the operator. Subsequent price increases are only possible under strict conditions and up to a limit. If the increase exceeds this limit, you may withdraw free of charge.

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Your chances of getting your money back

A subsequent price increase is only permitted if the contract provides for it, it is based on certain cost increases (e.g. fuel, taxes), and it is communicated no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (§ 651f BGB).
If the price rises by more than eight percent, you can reject the increase and withdraw from the contract free of charge or demand an equivalent replacement trip.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the conditions

    Clarify whether a valid price adjustment clause exists and the deadline is met.

  2. 2

    2. Recalculate the increase

    Check the reason and amount of the increase and whether the eight-percent limit is exceeded.

  3. 3

    3. React

    For more than eight percent, you can withdraw or demand a replacement trip.

  4. 4

    4. Secure the refund

    In case of withdrawal, demand back amounts already paid.

How to spot the scam

  • The increase comes later than 20 days before the start of the trip.
  • There is no valid price adjustment clause in the contract.
  • An increase over eight percent is enforced without an offer to withdraw.

Frequently asked questions

May the operator increase the travel price afterward?

Only under strict conditions: the contract must provide for a price adjustment, the increase must be based on certain cost increases, and it must be communicated clearly and comprehensibly no later than 20 days before the start of the trip (§ 651f BGB). Otherwise it is invalid.

Up to what amount must I accept an increase?

You generally have to accept a permitted increase of up to eight percent of the travel price. If the price rises by more than eight percent, you can reject the increase, withdraw free of charge, or choose an offered equivalent replacement trip.

What happens in case of withdrawal?

If you withdraw because of an increase over eight percent, you are entitled to a refund of payments already made. The operator must reimburse you the amounts. React within the reasonable deadline set by the operator.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.