Mysterious ticket cancellation incident in Switzerland: Former professional cyclist Freuler and other passengers investigate the case

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That’s enough! “Switzerland does not take our cases seriously enough,” says Leif Øverland (61) from Zurich. The Norwegian, who has been living in Switzerland for years, contacted Blick because he was one of the passengers whose flight tickets were canceled without his action or knowledge.

Blick had already reported the same cases with former cycling legend Urs Freuler (65) and US-based Swiss Franco Blaser (58). A Swiss spokesman reiterated that there had been no recent increase in cases of unintentional cancellations.

But now more people have contacted Blick. Among them is Leif Øverland. He contacted Urs Freuler. Purpose: To see if legal action can be taken against Switzerland on this issue. Blaser is also involved. He also reported to the editorial office. “I would be there if a lawsuit was filed against Switzerland for lack of data protection and lack of guarantee of digital property security.”

Class actions are not allowed in Switzerland. However, the events do not bring peace to those affected. Above all, how little the Swiss want to contribute to clarifying the mysterious ticket cancellations. “We’re not getting any answers,” says Øverland. Therefore, he is looking for other victims who can discuss how to move forward together in this context.

Additional payment is easy to accept

Because Øverland’s situation is also difficult. He had booked a business class flight on Edelweiss from Zurich to La Palma in the Canary Islands from 12 to 26 November, booked from Switzerland for 850 francs.

A week before departure, he wants to check a detail in his online reservation and realizes that his flight reservation has been canceled completely. You will not receive the usual cancellation confirmation by email. He doesn’t notice the 32 franc refund for the airport taxi fare on his credit card.

When Øverland explains his situation at the Swiss city office at Zurich Paradeplatz, he receives only an answer that his flight has been canceled since October 4. “This transaction was made online and the employee could not tell me who it was from,” says Øverland. There was absolutely no cancellation: “I was supposed to meet my 83-year-old mother from Norway in La Palma, why would I cancel and leave her there alone?”

He finally plucks up the courage and buys a new ticket – 200 francs more expensive than the previous one, plus 50 francs more for on-site booking, i.e. 1,100 francs. The flight to the Canary Islands costs him almost 2,000 francs instead of 850 francs. “Switzerland gave no response to my objections, only stating that my ticket had been canceled according to the system and the refund had already been paid, so there was nothing more that could be done,” says Øverland angrily. .

The injured feel abandoned

Franco Blaser reported from the US that he received exactly the same notification from Switzerland: cancellation via chatbot had already triggered a refund and there was nothing more to do. “I’m back to square one in my fight,” he says, horrified.

It is still unclear what target the “foreign cancellers” are pursuing. They do not derive any direct financial benefit from the issue. The winner was the Swiss who sold the most twice as many tickets. Or it is malicious mischief.

That’s why “those who have been deceived” now want to get to the bottom of the issue through legal means, if necessary.

Source :Blick