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Trip canceled: a voucher instead of money? You have the choice

If a flight is canceled or a package tour is called off, providers like to offer a voucher. Important to know: you do not have to go along with it. You are entitled to a refund of your money.

Reach your next steps and the matching ready-made texts in just a few minutes, free of charge:

Demand a cash refund

Your chances of getting your money back

If a flight is canceled or a package tour is called off, you have a right to a refund of the travel price in money. You do not have to accept a voucher; it is a voluntary offer.
If you voluntarily take a voucher, watch the terms (validity, redeemability, protection against insolvency). With flight cancellations, additional compensation payments may exist depending on the circumstances.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Demand a refund

    Demand the refund of the travel price in money, in writing and with a deadline.

  2. 2

    2. Decline the voucher

    Make it clear that you want money, not a voucher.

  3. 3

    3. Set deadlines

    Set a reasonable payment deadline and announce further steps.

  4. 4

    4. Use arbitration

    For flights, the arbitration board (söp) helps; for package tours, the consumer advice center.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to accept a travel voucher?

No. If your flight is canceled or your package tour is called off, you have a right to a refund of the travel price in money. A voucher is only a voluntary offer from the provider; you can demand the refund in money instead.

What if the provider only offers a voucher?

Insist in writing on the cash refund and set a reasonable deadline. Do not let yourself be pushed toward a voucher. If the provider does not pay, you can, for flights, involve the arbitration board for public passenger transport (söp); for package tours, the consumer advice center helps.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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.