We’re gutted to miss dream trip but glad to have our money back
One of the biggest consumer stories of the year involved the tens of thousands of people left fighting for refunds for holidays that were called off because of the pandemic.
Travel companies and airlines have faced fierce criticism for being slow to reimburse customers for Covid-related cancellations.
Many customers are still out of pocket after months, and millions of pounds of refunds are still outstanding.
However the people’s champion, Raw Deal, has secured more than £40,000 in holiday refunds from travel firms and airlines for readers.
Among them were Kate and Chris Donegan, who are now enjoying the festive season after The Sunday Post helped them get their full £13,500 back after a dream holiday to Canada was scrapped due to the pandemic.
The retired couple, from Cambusbarron, Stirling, had saved for years to visit family across the Atlantic.
The trip would have included visits to Toronto and Vancouver, a train ride across the Rockies and a spectacular cruise to Alaska. “We were supposed to be going in May but Barrhead Travel informed us in March that the holiday had been cancelled due to Covid,” said Kate, 67.
However, during lockdown she could not get any joy while seeking a refund from the travel firm.
After weeks of getting nowhere the couple turned to Raw Deal. We contacted Barrhead Travel and the £13,500 was soon back in their bank account.
Kate said the couple planned to use some of the cash towards a holiday in Portugal next September.
“The relief is immense,” she said. “This situation was causing us a lot of stress, until Raw Deal intervened. This has really made our Christmas.”