MSE News: Holidays 4 U collapses - your travel rights

bagand96

I phoned my credit card people who referred me to the CAA, I downloaded
a claim form from the CAA which stated that if flights were paid by credit card then claims have to be through the credit card under Section 75 of the consumer protection act. I got back onto my credit card people and explained, I was put on hold while superiors were consulted and then informed that "a dispute has been launched". A bit annoyed at having paid extra for ATOL protection which did not exist but there are others in a far worse situation than myself.

If you booked directly with H4U/Aegeanflights and payed via credit card, then the credit card company are liable under Section 75. This will be a far speedier resolution than ATOL.

If you booked via a travel agent then you claim via ATOL.

we are still trying to find an alternative and the accomodation is not a problems its the flights. They have doubled and tripled in price. This is cashing in on other peoples misfortunes.

Its sad, and unfortunate, but its a simple case of supply and demand. Demand for flights to Turkey has just increased massively, more people are after less flights. Other operators are businesses and not charities and they will sell at a price that is sustainable for them - after all, they are still trading, whereas companies that sell at cheaper than is viable are not.

I appreciate this doesn't help you, and its not nice to hear. I am also genuinely sorry for everyone that has had their holiday dreams shattered. As a suggestion, have you tried looking at other destinations? All holiday prices have probably increased although I suspect Turkey will have more than most.

smurfing12

peat wrote: »

I phoned my credit card people who referred me to the CAA, I downloaded
a claim form from the CAA which stated that if flights were paid by credit card then claims have to be through the credit card under Section 75 of the consumer protection act. I got back onto my credit card people and explained, I was put on hold while superiors were consulted and then informed that "a dispute has been launched". A bit annoyed at having paid extra for ATOL protection which did not exist but there are others in a far worse situation than myself.

:j I had paid for my flight only on credit card. The ATOL claim form states clearly that i should claim from the credit card company but when i rang the credit card company they were clear that ATOL should compensate. i wonder howlong this dispute will take to sort out

bagand96

smurfing12 wrote: »

I had paid for my flight only on credit card. The ATOL claim form states clearly that i should claim from the credit card company but when i rang the credit card company they were clear that ATOL should compensate. i wonder howlong this dispute will take to sort out

You may need to send the ATOL letter to your credit card company, as stated on the letter. Its not unlike a bank to try and stall a customer when they owe them money hey! They should be used to it by now, this scenario is becoming an annual event.

kazndek

I called my credit card company (barclaycard) but because I am covered under airline protection I have got to claim from the CAA. I only booked Sunday and thought they could retrieve the payment but no such luck. I booked with Travel Republic and had no idea Holidays 4 U was involved. I can claim the cost of the flights from CAA but hotel and transfers are non refundable. TR said they would try to get some money back for the hotel but how much and when god knows. I have now booked alternative flights through Thomas Cook and kept Hotel, TR are re-arranging my transfers where there may be an administration fee.

kazndek

sullyde1 wrote: »

I booked flights direct with Aegean Flights for next August. I paid with a credit card (Virgin) I called them yesterday and they told me that I can not get a refund until after the date of my flights or if I can get a 'Negative Response' letter. So I guess I have a very long wait to get my money back.

Anyone else having problems with credit card companies.

Sullyde

My credit card company Barclaycard said I have got to claim from CAA because I am covered by airline insurance. I only booked 2 days ago but they would not refund me.

ednamay78

We have managed through Thomas cook to get 14 flights today as we are going in a large party, our original flights were £236 and got them at an extra cost of £290 each which is massive really but was better than losing out completely. Is it right that you only get refunded the original amount

bagand96

My credit card company Barclaycard said I have got to claim from CAA because I am covered by airline insurance. I only booked 2 days ago but they would not refund me.

I know this is a stressful time etc, but I have said this a few times now. All the advice you need is contained here: http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/1052/20110803Holidays4UClaimForm.pdf

Simply put:

- if you paid via a credit card directly with H4U/Aegean then you claim from the credit card company

- if you paid via a credit card but booked via a travel agent you claim from ATOL

- if you paid via any other payment method you claim via ATOL

bagand96

Is it right that you only get refunded the original amount

If you are claiming via ATOL then they will only refund the original amount stated on the Holidays4U invoice.

If you are claiming via your credit card then i believe Section 75 does say they have to refund you OR provide alternative products so you MAY be able to claim the difference also, however I bet you would have to fight them for that. Also, I'm no expert on that so it may be wrong.

Note; you can only claim via credit card if you booked and payed DIRECTLY with H4U or Aegean Flights.

sullyde1

Hi all, I posted earlier saying the credit card company told me to wait until after my flight (which is next August).

Well I called them again and they are sending me a declairation to sign and said I should get the refund in 10 working days of reciept of the declairation. In the mean time they have removed the amount from my card balance so I am not paying interest on it while it is in dispute. The lady did mention that they had receive lots of claims yesterday (for h4u) and that they are working to stay on top of the increase claims workload.

So fingers crossed.

Luckily we were not travelling until next August and we were staying at my parents apartment so we only had the flights to worry about.

Good luck to everyone and those travelling this year hope you get your holiday.

I might rediscover the UK next year seems to be a safer bet at the moment.

teeni

kazndek wrote: »

I called my credit card company (barclaycard) but because I am covered under airline protection I have got to claim from the CAA. I only booked Sunday and thought they could retrieve the payment but no such luck. I booked with Travel Republic and had no idea Holidays 4 U was involved. I can claim the cost of the flights from CAA but hotel and transfers are non refundable. TR said they would try to get some money back for the hotel but how much and when god knows. I have now booked alternative flights through Thomas Cook and kept Hotel, TR are re-arranging my transfers where there may be an administration fee.

Hi
I booked with travel republic and had free cancellation insurance apparently i didn't realise but when i cancelled the accommodation and transfers they refunded all but the original debit card charge of a couple of quid I cancelled on wednesday afternoon as soon as i heard. The cancellation was completed yesterday and the money is in my account this morning.
Go on to the site and manage my booking and try cancelling see what it does . i believe travel republic gives it free as i have booked a new hol with them last night and it says cancellation insurance is free of charge.

good luck