Package Travel: Definition and Explanation for Amsterdam Residents
A package travel combines at least two tourist services, such as a flight from Schiphol and hotel accommodation, offered by a single organiser for the same purpose. This rule is set out in the Dutch Civil Code and provides strong consumer protection for Amsterdammers. Learn when your trip qualifies as package travel and what rights you have, with support from local services like Juridisch Loket Amsterdam.
Legal Definition of Package Travel
The definition of package travel has applied since 1 July 2018 under Book 7, Title 3A of the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), particularly Article 7:481(1) DCC. This stems from the European Package Travel Directive (EU 2015/2302) for enhanced consumer protection.
Package travel includes at least two different tourist services for the same trip or holiday lasting at least 24 hours, including overnight accommodation. Conditions:
- Sold for a total price.
- Booked with one organiser, for example via a single platform.
- Duration of at least 24 hours or including overnight stay.
Tourist services include transport, non-business accommodation, car hire or extras like attraction tickets (if exceeding 25% of the total travel cost).
What Counts as Tourist Services?
Article 7:481(2) DCC lists them. Overview for Amsterdammers:
- Transport: flight from Schiphol, train from Amsterdam Centraal, bus or ferry.
- Accommodation: hotel, apartment, cruise or campsite (non-business use).
- Car hire: car or motorbike for up to 1 month.
- Other services: excursions or meals, if they account for ≥25% of the price and are linked.
Example: Flight from Schiphol plus hotel is always package travel.
Practical Examples from Amsterdam
Booking a sunny holiday to Spain from Schiphol?
- Package travel: TUI flight from Schiphol and all-inclusive hotel for €1,200 – two services, one organiser.
- Edge case: Hotel via Booking.com and KLM flight on one site; if one price and organiser, it may qualify as package travel.
- Not package travel: Separate Ryanair flight and local hotel, paid individually – no protection.
City trip to Rome with train from Centraal + hotel? Package travel. Cruises often combine everything.
Package Travel vs. Individual Bookings
Key for your rights in Amsterdam. Comparison:
| Aspect | Package Travel | Individual Bookings |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | ≥2 services, one price, one organiser | Each service separately |
| Protection | Full Package Travel Directive, info, liability, SGR | Consumer rights per service only |
| Price guarantee | Limited changes | Provider-specific rules |
| Example | Flight Schiphol + hotel via Corendon | Flight easyJet, hotel Airbnb |
Your Rights and Obligations for Package Travel
Consumer Rights
As an Amsterdam resident, you benefit from Package Travel Directive rights:
- Information duty: Clear trip description (art. 7:484 DCC).
- Price stability: Max. 8% change for unforeseen circumstances (art. 7:500 DCC).
- Cancellation: Free for serious issues; pro rata after departure.
- Liability: Organiser liable for everything (art. 7:514 DCC).
- SGR: Insolvency protection.
Obligations of the Organiser
Provide information, ensure safety and performance. For shortcomings: remedy or discount (art. 7:508-510 DCC). Disputes? To the Amsterdam District Court.
FAQs for Amsterdammers
Is a last-minute deal from Schiphol package travel?
No, unless ≥2 services from one organiser. Standalone ticket no, with hotel yes.
Booking via an Amsterdam travel agency?
Yes, under one contract: full protection.
Does car hire count with my trip?
Yes, transport + car hire = package travel.
Cancellation due to corona-like issues?
Full refund or voucher within 14 days (art. 7:503 DCC).
Tips for Amsterdammers
Avoid hassle:
- Check trip description and terms.
- Choose SGR/ANVR members.
- For questions: free advice from Juridisch Loket Amsterdam or Municipality of Amsterdam.
- Disputes: Amsterdam District Court.