If you’ve booked a hotel room online since 2013, there’s a chance you’ve overpaid – and a growing legal battle in the Netherlands could help change that.
What’s happening?
Two major Dutch consumer groups – the Consumer Competition Claims Foundation (CCC) and the Consumers’ Association – are taking Booking.com to court over serious concerns about its pricing practices.
They claim that, since January 2013, Booking.com has used price parity clauses to stop hotels from offering cheaper rates elsewhere. That includes on their own websites and on rival booking platforms. In effect, hotels were locked into charging the same – or higher – prices on every platform.
The impact of these clauses is very real: they limit competition, restrict hotel pricing freedom, and leave customers paying more than they should. And because Booking.com is one of the biggest players in the travel market, its practices have likely had a ripple effect across the industry, influencing how other platforms operate too.
The Dutch legal claim argues that this behaviour breaks competition and consumer protection laws – and that it’s high time consumers were compensated.
What’s the impact?
This isn’t just about a few overpriced bookings.
The Dutch consumer groups estimate that travellers have collectively been overcharged by hundreds of millions of euros over the last decade.
The response from the public has been swift. In just one week, over 130,000 people signed up to the Dutch group action – a clear sign that this issue has touched a nerve with consumers.
But the implications go far beyond the Netherlands.
If the Dutch courts rule against Booking.com, it could set a legal precedent that paves the way for claims in other countries – including the UK. Other major booking platforms could also come under the spotlight if they’ve used similar tactics.
This case could trigger a wider industry shake-up, forcing platforms to be more transparent – and fairer – with their pricing.
What can you do now?
If you’ve booked a hotel room online since 2013, you could be affected, and if a UK Booking.com claim is launched, you could be due compensation. Check your eligibility and register your interest today.
