Ministry seeks to scrap travel cancellation penalty

The government seeks to revise related laws to allow consumers to cancel trips anytime before departure without being charged cancellation fees starting in the first half of 2014.

The Ministry of Justice said on Sunday the revision would ban the widespread practice as part of efforts to strengthen customers’ rights.

Travelers will also be able to request price reductions when travel programs are different from those stated in the contract.

Travel agencies require customers to pay penalties for booked airlines and agencies when canceling the trip before departure.

For example, Interpark’s refund provision charges a 140,000 won ($130) penalty to the airline and 30,000 won to the company.

The revision will be submitted to the National Assembly next February for approval, the ministry said.

By Suk Gee-hyun (monicasuk@heraldcorp.com)