As of today, it will be possible to cancel a reservation on round-trips flights booked at a travel agent, rather than by telephone or Internet. Despite objections by airlines and travel agencies, the Consumer Protection and Fair Trade Authority's new regulations came into effect today.
A person can cancel a reservation up to 14 days from the date of purchase or up to 18 business days before the date of departure. It will also be possible to cancel a follow-on flight, provided that it is provided by the same airline handling the flight from Israel.
The new regulations do not allow cancelling related tourist services, such as a hotel at the destination or follow-on flight provided by a different airline. This is because Israeli regulations do not apply to foreign businesses and they cannot be compelled to refund money to Israeli consumers.
The Consumer Protection Law (5741-1981) already allows the cancelation of flight reservations made by phone or online up to 14 days from the date of purchase or up to seven days before the date of departure.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on October 11, 2011
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