The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has told Qantas that it “expects it to go further” in responding to consumers affected by the grounding of its fleet last weekend.
According to a statement just issued, the ACCC has been in contact with the airline since Sunday askin how it will treat affected passengers.
QF is offering refunds, the opportunity to rebook flights and compensation for expenses, as well as dealing with other claims on a case-by-case basis.
“While Qantas’s current position addresses some of the ACCC’s concerns, it does not go far enough,” said ACCC Chairman Rod Sims.
“These circumstances are extraordinary and there have been a huge number of passengers significantly affected. It is squarely in the airline’s camp to make good,” he added.
If consumers have incurred additional expenses as a result of the grounding, the ACCC is of the view that Qantas should compensate them for all reasonable losses, the statement said.
The ACCC has been in consultation with state and territory fair trading agencies over the issue, and has also asked Qantas for a report on claims made and redress provided in the next month.
“The ACCC continues to make further enquiries of Qantas, in particular concerning the circumstances surrounding the offering of tickets and acceptance of payments following the decision to ground the fleet,” the statement concluded.
More information in tomorrow’s Travel Daily.