Watchdogs: Airline terms just won’t fly

Watchdogs are warning major airlines that their “no-show” clauses could be breaking consumer law.

The practice often leaves passengers who miss an outbound flight out of pocket.

Their connecting or return flights are cancelled, typically with no refund given, and their seats can be resold – potentially allowing the airlines to double their money.

Passengers often only find out their tickets have been cancelled when they arrive at the airport and are forcedtobuyanotherseat at a much higher price, or pay a hefty penalty to use their original ticket.

British Airways, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic all include the clauses in the small print of their terms and conditions.

Inajointaction, consumer groups across Europe are now taking airlines to task. Watchdogs in Austria and Greece have announced court action against Dutch airline KLM which, along with its partner airline Air France, they claim has one of the harshest no-show clauses.

The two airlines are already involved in a legal battle with Belgian consumer group Test Achats/test Aankoop. Customers in the UK have also challenged the clauses.

Alex Neill, managing director of home products and services at consumer group Which?, said: “Missing a flight because you’re stuck in traffic or on a delayed train is frustrating enough, but for the airline to then turn around and say your return journey is cancelled as well is completely unfair and unjustified.

“We don’t think there’s any good reason for a no-show clause to exist – it only works in favour of the airline. It should be removed immediately by airlines, who need to show more respect for their passengers.”