SAS Is In Violation Of Not Following The EU Package Travel Directive

14. As a passenger, what are my rights for cancelled transport services or package travels in the context of the coronavirus pandemic?

Passengers and travellers can be reassured that their rights are protected. The EU passenger rights regulations provide for passenger rights in the case of cancellation of transport services. The Package Travel Directive provides the necessary protection for the travellers who booked a travel package with a tour operator.  In the case of a cancellation by the carrier, passengers have the choice, to be offered reimbursement or re-routing. As re-routing is hardly applicable under the present circumstances, the choice is mostly about possible different forms of reimbursement. 

Under the passenger rights regulations, reimbursement of the full cost of the ticket is due 7 days following the passenger's request in the cases of air, sea and inland waterways transport, 14 days after the offer has been made or the request has been received for bus and coach transport and one month after the request of the passenger in the case of rail transport. Under the applicable rules, the reimbursement can be made in money or via a voucher. However, reimbursement by means of a voucher can only take place if the passenger agrees to it. 

Under the Package Travel Directive, if a package trip is cancelled due to “unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances”, travellers have the right to get a full refund of any payments made for the package, without undue delay and in any event within 14 days after termination of the contract. In this context, the organiser may offer the traveller reimbursement in the form of a voucher.  In both cases, this possibility to get a voucher does not deprive the travellers of their right to reimbursement in money.