Chargebacks911, a leader in dispute resolution, has alerted airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) to prepare for a potential surge in payment disputes following significant travel disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran. With more than 3,400 flights cancelled across the Middle East, the company warns that the financial impact could manifest weeks later as passengers face difficulties in obtaining refunds or rebooking.
Monica Eaton, Founder and CEO of Chargebacks911, highlighted that unresolved service issues often escalate into chargebacks. "Travel disruption has a second chapter, and it usually shows up in the dispute queue," she stated. The company notes that the risk of disputes increases when airlines rapidly alter routes, customer service teams are overwhelmed, and refund processes are complicated by cross-border bookings.
Chargebacks911 advises travel merchants to take proactive steps, such as setting clear cancellation and refund policies, providing realistic timelines, and prioritising support for affected bookings. Their Unified Dispute Management System (UDMS) uses AI and machine learning to help merchants identify emerging dispute patterns and automate workflows, thus reducing manual effort.
Eaton emphasised the importance of real-time monitoring and clear communication with customers to mitigate risks. "Visibility is everything," she said, urging airlines and travel providers to maintain strong records and watch dispute volumes for early warning signs. As geopolitical events remain beyond control, Eaton stressed that speed, clarity, and follow-through are crucial in preventing disputes
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