Is there anything I can do?

shorehamgirl

Hi, perhaps a silly question, but not quite sure of any consumer rights which might cover the situation and any help would be useful in clarifying the situation. I was due to fly to Rome for a three day break which I purchased as a birthday present for a wonderful friend who had seen me through my cancer treatment. As a "cancer survivor" I am unable to get travel insurance, and as a result never normally go on holiday or fly. The holiday was booked through last minute and was for return flights to Rome and Hotel. Two days before the holiday, my mother had a heart attack and heart failure. I immediately advised last minute of the situation by email as it was during the night and there were no telephone lines open at such a time. Confused email responses followed from them in which they kept stating that my mother was a traveller which was incorrect but the bottom line is that I have been advised that I have no rights to cancel and therefore will lose the costs. As a last resort I spoke to my credit card company who advise me that as I had cancelled it was not a dispute item from their point of view. Obviously noone can afford to loose the money, and what is money when someone you love life is held in the balance and still does. It is not possible to defer as the situation is precarious. Any guidance would be much appreciated. If there is nothing I can do, so be it, but would just like to put a full stop to the situation. Thank you.

Caz3121

Unfortunately this is the exact thing that travel insurance would cover, which unfortunately you don't have
Which airline are the flights with? you may be able to reclaim the taxes less an admin fee
The hotel will depend on whether it was a refundable rate that was booked or not, alas may "pay in full in advance" rates are not, whereas "pay when you check out" can be

I hope your mother has a speedy recovery

jpsartre

If you paid the cheapest possible flight/hotel rate they are in all likelyhood non-refundable. Next time book direct from the airline instead of going through a middleman like Last Minute, it is usually easier to deal with them directly in such cases and they may have been willing to help you out.

elisebutt65

There are plenty of insurers who will cover you, even as a cancer survivor. Next time put some legwork in. Martin has a guide here on the site.