Lastminute Refund Nemesis

JusticeJane

I purchased a flight to South America via Lastminute.com.

I was supposed to fly on Sat 18th December.

After lots of indecision all flights at Heathrow terminal 3 were cancelled after efforts to clear the runways of snow failed. At 9pm on Saturday evening when I called Lastminute they said to me there was no immediate amendment possible as they couldn't contact make due to Lan Chile's(airline) offices being closed. But promised all would be fine during early morning.

It is now Monday evening and LM did not call me... having spent 2 hours on the phone they finally have just confirmed that my flight has been moved to 25th Dec.

I have said this is unacceptable requested a full refund. They refuse to as they say Lan Chile will not provide refunds due to the airport cancelling flights.

I have called Lan Chile directly and they say that LM are the responsible party as they originally took payment and only they can pay me.

I have looked up the T's and C's of Lastminute and it appears they are ATOL protected however on a part of their website they state they are a mere facilitator and that the contract is between the traveler and the airline.

So so confused. Will I lose the £1400 I spent on my flight if I refuse the new date. And more confusingly the BBC is advising people to not make the journey to Heathrow and promising full refunds to everyone? Refunds from who????? LM wish to pay NOTHING.

Please help.:(

apt

If you checked in quote the relevant part of the EU air traffic directive to the airline. You would be entitled to a full refund within 7 days.