General fear of travelling doesn’t justify free holiday cancellation, MCCAA warns 

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has informed travellers who want to cancel a pre-booked package holiday that a general fear of travelling doesn’t entitle them to a free cancellation. 

In light of the war in the Middle East, a number of Maltese travellers have expressed concern about their upcoming holidays, even in Europe or other destinations far away from the fighting. 

However, the MCCAA clarified that if travellers had booked a package holiday, they will have to pay the applicable cancellation charge if they decide to stay home.

“A general fear of travelling does not automatically give a legal right to cancel the holiday free of charge,” the authority said. 

“If a traveller chooses to cancel a package holiday in such circumstances, the cancellation will be considered a voluntary termination of the contract. This means that the applicable cancellation (termination) charges apply, in line with the terms and conditions of the package travel contract.”

“Consumers are therefore encouraged to carefully review the conditions of their booking and remain in contact with their travel agent or organiser before taking any decision.”

The MCCAA clarified that travellers might be entitled to a full refund without the obligation of a cancellation fee if it is deemed that “extraordinary and unavoidable circumstances” at the destination significantly impact the performance of the holiday or transport to the destination.

However, this right depends on the specific circumstances at the time of travel, and consumers are encouraged to stay in regular contact with their travel agent or organiser.

If a traveller had booked a flight, either directly with the airline or through a travel agent, and the airline cancels the flight, they are entitled to a full refund of the ticket price. If the flight operates as scheduled, they are not entitled to a refund if they choose not to travel.