Travel Disruptions Due To European Volcanic Ash

Travel Disruptions Due To European Volcanic Ash Cloud

Nicolas Chu, General Manager of Expedia Australia and New Zealand, comments on the disruptions to travel as a result of the volcanic ash cloud following a volcanic eruption in Iceland last week:

“Since the beginning of the weekend we have seen a significant increase in customer enquiries to our 24-hour call centre. With the heightened call volume, it’s been all hands on deck to help assist our customers with their affected travel arrangements. As a result, we are asking customers to be patient when contacting our call centre.

“We are obviously working closely with our airline, hotel and other travel services partners to ensure travellers experience minimal inconvenience to their international travel plans.

“We are advising Expedia customers who have not already commenced their travel to check their respective airline’s website to get the most up-to-date schedule information. If they need to cancel or change a flight booking, customers should do so via the Expedia call centre. In addition to the call centre, changes to hotel bookings can also be made via the Expedia website.

“The benefit for Expedia customers is that they pay no Expedia change and cancellation fees for all flight, hotel, packages and car reservations booked on the Expedia.com.au and Expedia.co.nz websites. We believe that travellers should not be penalised for circumstances, such as these, which are beyond their control. As such, we are the first and only online travel website to allow its Australian and New Zealand customers to cancel or change a booking over the phone without paying any Expedia change or cancellation fees – no matter what the circumstances. “

Expedia.com.au and Expedia.co.nz customers can speak with one of our expert advice team members by calling 1300 794 952 (AU) and 0800 998 799 (NZ).

ENDS

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