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