Peru: Consumer agency reminds airlines, buses to refund passengers affected by floods

Peru's National Institute for the Defense of Competition and the Protection of Intellectual Property (Indecopi) has issued a reminder to bus and airline companies regarding their responsibilities towards passengers impacted by the severe rains and floods currently affecting various regions of the country. The agency stressed that travelers whose journeys are altered due to these adverse weather conditions are entitled to seek alternatives from transport providers.

Indecopi clarified that users must receive prompt and clear information about any modifications to their travel services. Depending on the mode of transport, passengers may be eligible for options such as a full refund of the ticket price, the postponement of their trip, or the transfer of their ticket to another person or date. This directive aims to ensure that passengers are not left stranded or financially burdened by weather-related disruptions.

For interprovincial bus services, companies are obligated to keep passengers informed about road conditions prior to departure. This ensures travelers are aware of potential risks and that their journeys can proceed under safe conditions. If circumstances warrant, passengers can request to postpone their trip, endorse their ticket, or receive a refund for the amount paid, as stipulated by Indecopi.

Similarly, for air travel, both airlines and travel agencies share these obligations. They must clearly communicate any cancellations or rescheduling of affected routes and maintain accessible customer service channels. If a ticket remains unused due to such disruptions, the passenger has the right to request a refund. In cases of rescheduling, the option to endorse or transfer the ticket should also be made available.