Travel plans cancelled? How to get a refund
IF YOUR flight or holiday is cancelled, you are legally entitled to a refund. Package holiday customers should receive their money back within 14 days and from airlines within a week. But firms have been inundated with refund requests so it may take longer.
What’s more, some airlines are refusing to refund customers who can no longer travel under England’s Tier Four restrictions. They claim this is because their flight is still going and it is not their fault the passenger is not on it. This is despite the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) currently investigating airlines for failing to refund customers for this very reason.
However, with more than 40 countries now banning travellers from the UK, it is more likely flights will be cancelled. In the meantime, check your airline’s refund policy.
EasyJet is offering cash refunds to those whose flights are cancelled as a result of UK lockdown measures. BA will only allow customers to rebook or accept a voucher for the value of their flights.
If you booked accommodation or car hire separately, it may be harder. You could argue that you were only unable to use the service due to the pandemic and see how generous they are about refunds, rebooking or vouchers. You may also be able to claim on travel insurance — though be aware that many exclude cover for Covid-related cancellations.
You could also make a Section 75 claim with your credit card. Under consumer law your provider is equally liable if services cannot be delivered — but you may struggle if the hotel or villa is technically still open for business. If you paid by debit card, you could make a chargeback claim with your bank. However, the firm could claw the money back if it can prove it is not at fault.
If you simply no longer want to travel, you have no legal right to a refund but many travel companies are being understanding and may allow you to re-book a later date.
Those who had booked train and coach tickets between today and December 27 and can no longer go are guaranteed their money back.
To make a claim, contact the company you bought the ticket from.
To be eligible, you must have booked a trip on or after November 24, for a journey that begins or ends in England or Wales.
ScotRail is offering free refunds on train tickets after it was announced the planned five-day relaxation of rules over the Christmas period had been scrapped.
As many people booked ahead, ScotRail is offering refunds for people who had to change plans. The refund applies to unused tickets bought on, or before, December 20.