Schneider represents some consumers who booked a flight via Opodo in spring 2021 – in the middle of the CoV pandemic. “The company Opodo then forwards the money to the respective airline,” he describes. “If the flight is canceled, the airline pays the money back to Opodo,” says Schneider, explaining the booking process.
Online platform withholds money
As a result, Opodo would then have to pay the money back to the customers. In practice, however, the company still withholds the money – and deliberately so, Schneider alleges. He speaks of a business model: “I assume that the Opodo company knows that many people shy away from legal action,” he suspects.
There is always some risk involved in litigation. “And besides, sometimes you have to sue abroad,” he says. Not everyone does that, explains Schneider. He sued – and was right in the first instance, but Opodo still hasn’t paid.
Lawsuits against online platform Opodo
Many people who booked flights through Opodo during the pandemic have been disappointed. A Bregenz lawyer is now taking action against the company.
Execution proceedings initiated against Opodo
“As a result, I initiated execution proceedings,” says Schneider. He had seized Opodo’s claims against Austrian Airlines, to which Opodo had still not responded.
“Austrian Airlines has submitted a third-party debtor’s declaration, according to which Opodo has claims against Austrian Airlines,” he continues. When there was still no reaction, Schneider filed charges against the airline.
Airline put pressure on booking platform
They, in turn, put the Opodo company under such pressure that 666 euros were finally returned to a couple from Vorarlberg. Even at the request of ORF Vorarlberg, Opodo did not want to comment on the allegations.
Victims should respond now
Schneider advises affected customers to react now and not in a few years, since a statute of limitations will apply after three years. “The chances of success are probably higher right now,” he says. In the meantime there are already some judgments against the company Opodo. The more judgments there are, the sooner the company might give in, says Schneider.
If you want to get your money back, you need perseverance. Anyone who cannot and does not want to afford a lawyer can also contact the consumer protection department of the Chamber of Labour. There, too, there are already some files on Opodo and model lawsuits that those affected can join.
