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Cancelled flights - can I get money back?

Hi there

Apologies if this has been mentioned before, but I couldn't find anything within the site.

My wife and I booked a trip to Vegas and LA over Xmas. During the time that we booked (prob Sept time) to now, my wife has been offered and accepted a job in Australia.

We thought it would work out as they wanted her to start late Jan 2011, but now its the 13th Dec, which means we had to cancel the trip.

We found out that as the tickets had been issued (by the way we were flying Virgin) and that we couldn't get our money back! We have got the money back from the hotels, but this means we are £1500 out of pocket.

Is there anything we can do? Bearing in mind that Virgin will sell our seats again, so its not as though they are losing any money!

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Comments

  • cedejah
    cedejah Posts: 44 Forumite
    edited 8 November 2010 at 4:59PM
    I know you can definitely claim the taxes back if nothing else.

    Why dont you try changing the date on them and just plan a holiday there if you can? Most airlines will allow you to change the date of a ticket for a fee and you can usually change it for any date up to a yr. Failing that, and if the t&c's allow, then you could always try selling the tickets on ebay or to a friend if Virgin will allow you to change the names on it. That way you can maybe get back most of your money.
    Im sure this is not what you wanted to hear, but i hope it helps.
  • Caz3121
    Caz3121 Posts: 15,917 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    unless you have bought a flexible ticket the airline will probably refer you to your travel insurance if you are unable to travel (who are unlikely to cover for this)

    example random dates - economy (lowest) £507, same dates economy (flexible) £1775...per person!

    you will need to phone reservations to see if you can change - any options to bring it forward?
  • Sorry, as we go on the 2nd Dec its gonna be hard. I know I havent got a chance in getting it back, but just wanted one last check.

    Thanks again
  • Archergirl
    Archergirl Posts: 1,904 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    If your wife's new company has made you cancel your trip by changing her dates, they should be the ones who compensate you.
  • getmore4less
    getmore4less Posts: 46,882 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper I've helped Parliament
    Why not see if Virgin will let you change them to fly to AUS.

    Agree it is the new company that need to compensate if Virgin won't assist
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