The commitment is in line with EU passenger rights regulations, which require airlines to refund tickets within seven days when passengers choose reimbursement. The action aims to create a fair and level playing field within the travel airline industry. The commitment by the online travel agencies complements a previous dialogue with 16 major European airlines, where they committed to respecting the seven-day time limit for reimbursements.

The online travel agencies will provide clearer information about service packages, consumer rights, and the consequences of flight disruptions caused by specific services offered by intermediaries. The changes will be implemented by June 30, 2023. The network of European consumer protection authorities will monitor the correct implementation of these commitments, and compliance by airlines with their commitments from the previous dialogue.

The action was initiated in response to difficulties faced by consumers during the early COVID-19 flight cancellations, and it is part of the Consumer Protection Cooperation (CPC) Network, which coordinates the enforcement of EU consumer protection laws.