Can you get your cash back if a trip abroad is cancelled?
AS WE emerge from lockdown, many of us have found ourselves worrying about what will happen as rules relax.
Record numbers of Brits are planning on taking a holiday abroad. Leaving aside Covid-19 concerns, the big question I’m being asked at the moment is: “Can you get your cash back if your trip can’t go ahead?”
As with everything in 2020, the answer is, it’s complicated.
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YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU CAN’T TRAVEL
FROM cancellation clauses in contracts to travel insurance quirks and card chargebacks, your rights often come down to what’s foreseeable as a risk.
So if you book a holiday tomorrow but aren’t able to travel, it’s likely that a refund won’t be offered. But that doesn’t mean you have no rights.
Holiday firms need your cash, so ask if they’ll let you move forward your holiday or give you vouchers if you can’t travel due to reimposed lockdown restrictions or potential quarantine problems at your destination. If they agree, get confirmation in writing before you book.
AIRLINES
YOU are, by law, still entitled to a refund if your airline cancels your flight – and that should be given within seven days (though we know this isn’t happening with many firms).
The same goes for cancelled packaged holidays – with a refund due to you within 14 days. But Covid-19 has thrown us a curveball.
If you get the virus, if Spain shuts its doors, or if your town goes into lockdown, you are not entitled to a refund if your flight still goes ahead. You can appeal to the airline – but be prepared to negotiate and compromise.
HOLIDAY FIRMS
HOLIDAY and travel firms have taken a massive hit over lockdown and they need your business. But be cautious.
Mega-cheap deals come with caveats – so it’s more important than ever to check the terms and conditions.
Ask questions before you book about what happens if you are prevented from travelling.
Screenshot Q&A pages, in case they change, and read the T&CS in their entirety on cancellations and refunds.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
THE insurance industry is still reeling from the criticisms it’s faced in recent months about not paying out on existing policies. Be aware that most new policies will now exclude payouts for Covid-19 related cancellations, though you may be covered if you catch the illness abroad.
In short, if you have an existing annual policy that hasn’t yet had to be renewed you may be covered for Covid-19 cancellations.
If your annual policy has renewed check, then for exclusions (ask your insurer if it isn’t clear), and if you have a new or single trip policy, chances are there’s no cover for virus-related cancellations.
CARD PAYMENTS
MANY people will have been told to ‘charge back’ the cost of their holiday when businesses have stalled paying out. Those who paid more than £100 may have been able to make a ‘section 75’ claim on their credit card too – a law that allows you to claim back money from your card provider if goods or services aren’t provided.
However, I’m worried that card providers will eventually say ‘enough’. So while this is still an option, it’s not a guarantee – and chargeback or section 75 claims are likely to be disputed in the future.
■ Resolver can help you make a complaint for free. Go to resolver.co.uk for information.