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Emergency

Calculating a travel price reduction: how much money you are owed

How much of the travel price you get back depends on how strongly and how long your trip was impaired. Courts base their assessment on typical percentages (often called the 'Frankfurt Table'). Important: you must have reported the defect on site in order to reduce the price.

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Your chances of getting your money back

For a travel defect the travel price is automatically reduced for the duration of the impairment (§ 651m BGB). You get back the corresponding share without having to prove fault by the operator.
For the amount, empirical values from case law (reduction tables) are used. Examples: significant construction noise, failure of the air conditioning or pool, a clearly worse room, each with typical percentages per day.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. List defects and duration

    Note every defect with its start, end and impairment: that is the basis for the calculation.

  2. 2

    2. Assign percentages

    Assign typical reduction rates to the defects (guided by reduction tables) and relate them to the daily travel price.

  3. 3

    3. Calculate the amount

    Multiply the daily price by the reduction rate and the number of affected days.

  4. 4

    4. Assert the claim

    Demand the calculated amount from the operator in writing with a deadline. Enclose photos and the defect notice.

How to spot the scam

  • The operator only offers a symbolic voucher.
  • It is claimed that without fault there is no reduction, which is not true.
  • The defects were not reported on site.

Frequently asked questions

How high is the travel price reduction?

It depends on the type and duration of the defect. Reduction tables from case law with typical percentages per day provide guidance. The reduction amount results from the daily travel price times the reduction rate times the affected days.

Do I need fault by the operator?

No. The reduction takes effect solely because of the defect (§ 651m BGB), regardless of fault. For additional damages (e.g. lost holiday enjoyment), however, fault may matter.

What is the Frankfurt Table?

A well-known overview of typical reduction rates for travel defects. It is not a law, but serves courts and travelers as guidance. The assessment of the specific individual case remains decisive.

Take action now

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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.