Peruvian Consumer Agency Eliminates Abusive Airline Clauses, Imposes Heavy Fines

Peruvian Consumer Agency Cracks Down on Airlines: 17 Abusive Clauses Eliminated, Fines Imposed Peru's INDECOPI, the consumer protection agency, has taken decisive action against four major airlines operating within the country. In a landmark decision, INDECOPI has eliminated 17 clauses deemed abusive from the contracts of Sky Airline, Star Peru, LATAM, and ATSA. These airlines now face significant fines totaling 778,000 soles for violating consumer rights. "This is a victory for Peruvian consumers," stated an INDECOPI representative, highlighting the agency's commitment to protecting passengers from unfair practices. The decision follows numerous complaints regarding hidden fees and unilateral changes to travel arrangements. The abusive clauses covered a range of issues. For example, Sky Airline had a clause that excluded the company from responsibility for information provided by its employees to passengers. LATAM's problematic clause allowed for unilateral modifications to the terms of service. Star Peru had clauses that imposed penalties on passengers who didn't complete their entire journey, even if it involved a layover. ATSA had clauses that restricted passenger rights to refunds and complaints. INDECOPI's action is expected to benefit over 8 million passengers annually. The agency's commitment to consumer protection sets a precedent for other industries and underscores the importance of fair business practices in Peru.