The low-cost airline is changing its commercial policy for travelers who want to postpone their trip to Morocco or change their destination.
After the earthquake in Morocco, airlines were asked to show maximum flexibility to those who had booked a ticket for an upcoming trip to the country. Most of them played the game by offering free departure date or destination changes.
However, for some low-cost airlines the flexibility required did not meet customer expectations. Ryanair and Transavia (a subsidiary of Air France) were particularly highlighted on social media.
The Air France subsidiary has been criticized for restricting the possibility of free date changes for departures up to September 16th and charging a fee for a change of destination.
Put your “purely economic reflexes” aside
Facing the pressure, the company backed down and announced on Wednesday, September 13, that it had changed its commercial policy “with the possibility of a voucher from now on.” For any flight from September 9th to 16th: free postponement, but with price adjustment until March 31, 2024 or possibility of a voucher, valid for 1 year (not nominative, not restrictive on routes, destinations)”.
The restrictions imposed by some companies are angering not only customers but also tourism stakeholders.
“Proposing postponements that involve time and scheduling restrictions seems very petty. And all the more so because you offer our customers the world as a playground all year round! Couldn’t we all agree on our agreements by offering realistic and unlimited conditions?” asks René-Marc Chikli, president of the Seto tour operators’ union.
He emphasizes that it is important for companies and tour operators to “put aside their particular interests and their purely economic reflexes in the time of relief and with respect for the local population” and to avoid customers “getting into unpleasant situations of voyeurism.” . Theatre.
Olivier Chicheportiche Journalist BFM Business