Don’t be left out of pocket this summer

Renfrewshire residents have been advised to pursue refunds if foreign holidays are cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic this summer.

Advice Direct Scotland says consumer rights remain in place and legislation must be adhered to by travel providers.

This week, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it had reminded package holiday firms of their legal obligations.

There were 23,000 complaints last year to the competition watchdog over cancelled holidays, and it was the most common issue raised with consumeradvice.scot advisers at the height of the pandemic.

The CMA has taken action against five firms, which it has reported have now refunded a total of £200million.

For package holidays, cancelled trips must be refunded within 14 days and customers must be offered a refund, not just a credit note.

However, holidaymakers will not automatically be able to seek refunds or claim on their travel insurance policies if they choose to cancel themselves.

Advice Direct Scotland has, therefore, advised people to always check the cancellation policy and read the small print when booking, put purchases over £100 on a credit card, and consider extensive travel insurance for UK staycations, as well as foreign trips.

Free and impartial advice is available at consumeradvice.scot.

Colin Mathieson, spokesman for Advice Direct Scotland, said:“The warning from the CMA is a very welcome reminder to holiday companies of their legal obligations.

“As Scots start to consider booking foreign trips again, it’s important that people know their rights should their holiday be cancelled.

“However, holidaymakers will not automatically be able to seek refunds or claim on their travel insurance policies if they choose to cancel themselves, so it’s also important to take sensible precautions.

“Top advice includes checking refund and cancellation policies before booking.

“It is also always a good idea to check travel insurance policies, particularly those taken out more recently, as newer policies will probably not cover you for cancellations as a result of covid.”