Travel Republic charging for cancellations

Clark80

I booked my holiday though Travel Republic at approximately 3pm and found out at 5pm that Kiss Flights had gone bust :mad:

I contacted Travel Republic and was told that I would get a refund for the flights through ATOL and just needed to book new flights - easy? No, not really as I don't have a spare £700 - £800 to book new flights until I get my refund (CAA estimate 6 - 8 weeks for refund) so reluctantly I ask them to cancel the hotel and refund that portion to me...

This is when it gets worse - I am told that because I could 'technically' still use the hotel I MUST pay a cancellation charge for the hotel. Please remember I booked the hotel at 3pm, Kiss went bust at 5pm, I called Travel Republic at 6pm and despite this I had to pay this cancellation!!!!! approx £88

I e-mailed Kane Pirie (The MD) - No reply.

Travel Republic - Ultimate fail!!!!

withabix

It's not TraveRepublic's fault is it?

The cancellation fee will be that levied by the hotel, not TravelRepublic.

Why should TravelRepublic absorb that fee?

You could have booked new flights. It was your choice to cancel the hotel.

Clark80 - Ultimate fail!!!!

Clark80

withabix wrote: »

You could have booked new flights. It was your choice to cancel the hotel.

You don't read so well. I did say I don't have the money.

Here is my opinion (which I am entitled to):

I didn't pay the hotel. I paid TR who got their fee (absorbed that nicely). I tried to cancel the hotel within hours (not days) of booking. Why should I absorb a cancellation given the circumstances?

And why not the courtesy of replying to my e-mail or getting one of his staff to? No absorbing required to reply...

Travel Republic - STILL Ultimate fail!!!!
withabix - should have gone to specsavers

dmg24

Did you book a package or a flight plus hotel? If the latter (and I am guessing it will be), TR are able to charge a cancellation fee,

Moonchild

Technically I'd be amazed if TR had paid the hotel, or even confirmed the booking within their allocation, so the hotel probably wasn't even aware of the booking (although could be wrong) so I see it as harsh, and alienating. But technically, of course they can charge a cancellation fee.

Clark80

dmg24 wrote: »

Did you book a package or a flight plus hotel? If the latter (and I am guessing it will be), TR are able to charge a cancellation fee,

Think you hit the nail on the head. That detail highlights the wonderful terms and conditions that put me (the customer) on the back foot.

I have paid the fee - I am just venting at Travel Republic - why should they get their booking fee? while I get charged...

Puddings

Hi Clark,

I had a similar problem with TR (venting thread is on here somewhere) they couldn't give me the flights I'd originally booked and I refused to pay more than double for different flights. Customer Service was terrible (you should see my phone bill!) and it was only when I vented on MSE that I finally got a refund for the transfers and accommodation and I, like you, had cancelled within an hour of booking on a Saturday morning...I will PM you the email of the guy that sorted out my issues.

Clark80

Puddings wrote: »

Hi Clark,

I had a similar problem with TR (venting thread is on here somewhere) they couldn't give me the flights I'd originally booked and I refused to pay more than double for different flights. Customer Service was terrible (you should see my phone bill!) and it was only when I vented on MSE that I finally got a refund for the transfers and accommodation and I, like you, had cancelled within an hour of booking on a Saturday morning...I will PM you the email of the guy that sorted out my issues.

Thanks Puddings, much appreciated.

withabix

Clark80 wrote: »

You don't read so well. I did say I don't have the money.

....how is that TravelRepublic's fault?

That is completely inconsequential to the charging of cancellation fees.

Clark80

withabix wrote: »

....how is that TravelRepublic's fault?

That is completely inconsequential to the charging of cancellation fees.

I never said it was their fault. Still not reading so well? I suggest you post outside of this thread.

withabix

Clark80 wrote: »

I never said it was their fault. Still not reading so well? I suggest you post outside of this thread.

I suggest that you accept that other people are entitled to an opinion and I will express mine where I want to.