Shortly after the start of the Corona pandemic in Europe, many airlines speculated that the EU Commission would approve voucher solutions. They therefore deactivated automatic refund options and sent customers on a real quest for their money. Despite the fact that the EU Commission made it clear after just a few days that ticket money for canceled flights had to be refunded within a week, most airlines did not comply. Particularly brazen: Many providers sent vouchers by email or post without asking and suggested to customers that a refund was not possible. The German consumer center was able to obtain legally binding judgments against some airlines, which stated, among other things, that the behavior regarding compulsory vouchers was illegal. Those passengers who were affected have the right to a payout. The EU Commission announced that Lufthansa and Eurowings had stated that they had since paid out around 500.000 of these compulsory vouchers. In cooperation with the consumer protection network, 16 airlines were examined in total, but only statements were requested from them and no on-site inspections were carried out. The authority therefore has to rely on the information provided by the carriers. Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders was satisfied that the airlines had overall implemented their obligations from the massive cancellation crisis of 2020. However, he called for further efforts, as travelers are currently experiencing numerous delays and cancellations again. "We will closely monitor and examine how passengers are paid refunds or compensation, if necessary, to ensure strict and careful application of EU rules." At the same time, the Commission is currently conducting a