In recent years, cash transactions have become an increasingly rare part of everyday life in many countries. This trend was only accelerated by the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, which saw many consumers opt for contactless card payments to minimize the possibility of transmission. However, Spain's airlines have been told that, despite this trend, they must still accept cash onboard.
A legal requirement
A consumer watchdog called Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (Organisation of Consumers and Users / OCU) led to the drive to ensure that Spanish carriers accept cash payments. According to Spanish News Today, the group has described card-only policies on flights as 'abusive' and 'unjustified.'
Regarding the latter of these adjectives, the OCU argues that the health-based importance of minimizing cash transactions has diminished, with life having returned to a relative degree of post-coronavirus 'normality.' However, the group's case is less of a suggestion, and more of a reminder of the carriers' legal obligations.
Indeed, Spanish News Today adds that the country's airlines are required, by law, to also accept cash transactions, as well as those made by card, to pay for inflight purchases. Refusing to do so reportedly became an offense in March, following a modification to the General Law for the Defence of Consumers and Users.
Which airlines are involved?
Eight Spanish airlines are reported to have been approached by the OCU over the matter. The group considers the refusal to accept cash payments to be an infringement of passengers' rights. But which carriers make up the eight involved?
This contingent includes Spanish national flag carrier airline Iberia, as well as its low-cost subsidiary Iberia Express. Also on the list is Air Europa, in which IAG holds a 20% stake. Interestingly, fellow International Airlines Group carrier Vueling Airlines doesn't appear to have been one of the operators approached by the OCU.
Away from IAG-affiliated airlines, the group is also said to have reminded Iberojet, Plus Ultra, Volotea, Wamos Air, and World2fly of their obligation to allow passengers to make cash transactions onboard their flights. Simple Flying has contacted several of the airlines involved for comment regarding the acceptance of cash, and will update this article with any corresponding statements.
What is the OCU?
So, what exactly is the nature of the group that is reminding Spanish carriers of their legal obligation to accept cash transactions onboard their flights?
According to Consumers International, the OCU is Spain's oldest consumer organization, having been established in 1975. It joined the wider Consumers International group three years later, in 1978, and now has more than 305,000 registered members on its books. It will be interesting to see what comes of its campaign to ensure that Spain's airlines do indeed accept cash going forward.
What do you make of this drive by the OCU? Have you had difficulties paying in cash onboard recent flights? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
Sources: Consumers International, Spanish News Today
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October 14, 2022 at 05:00PM
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Why Spanish Airlines Have Been Told To Accept Cash On Flights - Simple Flying
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