Best way to get my money back

Triker

I booked and paid for a holiday to the states in November. Since then I have decided to change my plans and will arrive in the US earlier than the booked outbound flight so will miss it. I have tried unsuccessfully to rearrange the travel arrangements as I repeatedly get a stroppy young lady from the holiday company who tells me that my tickets have been issued so therefore I cannot change anything. I said that I didn't wish to take the outbound flight but will definately take the return home flight and the hotel. The young lady told me that I will be cancelled off my return flight if I don't take the original outbound (which will be impossible as I will already be in the country). After much arguing that as I haven't physically been issued with any tickets then how can I have had them 'issued' I have been told on no uncertain terms that I will lose all of our money if I cancel even though the holiday is 5 months away. Any suggestions please?

monkeyspanner

It depends on the booking conditions which you agreed to when booking. Many flight/ holiday deals are sold on the condition that they cannot be changed and you must take both outward and return flights. Thus if you try to change anything the operator will treat it as a full cancellation. What are the cancellation terms? If it is a package it is unusual for there to be 100% cancellation charges this far from your travel dates.

I assume you have booked with a tour operator who has arranged both flights and hotel on your behalf. It may be worth trying to talk to the airline direct and seeing if they will agree to modifying the booking or to leave your return flight in place if you are no-show on the outward leg. This is a long shot as quite often they will have no record of your booking until nearer to the date of travel if the operator has taken a block booking, unless the flight is scheduled and it was booked for you at the time of booking.

Essentially its the booking terms which will prevail unless you can persuade the operator or airline to play nice.

Triker

Thanks for your reply, I have tried to get info re the airline that I am travelling with in order to see what 'the horses's mouth' says re my return leg of flight but the tour operator wouldn't give me the details of how to contact them. Will keep trying though. Cheers.

Jessij_3

I have had a similar problem with BMI. I wanted to rearrange my flights but cancelled in error, and as they are non-refundable tickets I have lost everything apart from taxes! I have been told tough luck, basically. After complaining in a letter about several things I have yet to receive a reply. These airlines and travel companies have too much power and appalling customer services.

Triker

Jessij wrote:

I have had a similar problem with BMI. I wanted to rearrange my flights but cancelled in error, and as they are non-refundable tickets I have lost everything apart from taxes! I have been told tough luck, basically. After complaining in a letter about several things I have yet to receive a reply. These airlines and travel companies have too much power and appalling customer services.

Thats awful Jessij, how can they do this? Its a common fact that airlines overbook their flights as do hotels so why do we, as the consumer, have to suffer these practices.In my case I can't see where the problem is as I am saying that I will not be able to travel one way, this is to the airlines advantage as they could sell the seat again (I have already paid for the flight and don't want my money back), but they want all my money with the threat of cancelling the whole trip. My issue in this case is with the travel agents but I'm going to presevere and will keep you posted.

cboo

As long as you advise the airline you will be taking the return flight they shouldn't cancel you off the return flight. I would wait until you get the tickets and then contact the airline directly.

Does it not advise you in the brochure what airline you are flying with?

I would ring the travel agent enquiring about the same holiday you are taking and just ask them who the airline is, they will have this information and I can't understand why they won't tell you..