Had to cancel holiday - can i claim any money back

Alywbwfc

Hello All, looking for some advice please

I have just agreed with my company to take on a new job in China in 2 months time

I had previously booked a holiday to South America - but cannot go now due to the China move. I paid for the flights on a Visa Debit Card. As there is a no-refund policy from the air line I did not expect to be able to claim any money back and that this was £800 down the drain, however different people have told me that I may be entitled to something:

1. I can claim money back through my debit card
2. I can claim money back through travel insurance
3. I can claim the tax back that I have paid on the flights

Can anyone offer any advice ( I realise 2 will depend on my policy, I have an Axa travel insurance policy through work). If not then I accept this no problem - it was my decision to take the job, but is worth a try!

Thanks

richardw

Claim the tax back and look forward to China.

duchy

Disinclination to travel isn't having to cancel -it is choosing to so you wouldn't be able to claim it back.

In similar circumstances when work have needed me to cancel my holiday to meet demands of work I've always negotiated that they cover my costs of either cancelling or rescheduling a trip.

bagand96

Alywbwfc wrote: »

1. I can claim money back through my debit card

No. Any protection offered by Visa or your bank is if a retailer/service provider fails to provide what you've paid for. This isn't the case. The airline has done nothing wrong and will provide the flight.

2. I can claim money back through travel insurance

Maybe. But probably not. Essentially you're just changing your mind on travelling. Some policies may cover change of work circumstances but it'd have to be a VERY good policy to cover this.

3. I can claim the tax back that I have paid on the flights

Yes. You can claim taxes back. Some airlines may charge an admin fee. And you're only due taxes paid to a government back (which may be less than the "Taxes & Charges" as many airlines lump a lot of extras in here).

Reclaiming the taxes can be done at any point. So you if I were you I'd leave it until nearer the time. There's an outside chance the airline may change your schedule which may in turn give you the option of cancelling for a refund. Chance may be slim but it does happen.

leylandsunaddict

You can claim the taxes back, but no claim from your debit card provider or your travel insurance.

malkie76

Send the bill to your employer. They put you in this position, although it sounds like you agreed. I'd have made that part of the agreement to moving.

InsideInsurance

It should have formed part of your negotiation with your employers/ part of your relocation package basically.

There are only a few times when travel insurance will kick in for this sort of thing and then its only when your employer demands it (ie no real choice for you) and can be limited to just employees of the emergency and armed services

maman

InsideInsurance wrote: »

It should have formed part of your negotiation with your employers/ part of your relocation package basically.

There are only a few times when travel insurance will kick in for this sort of thing and then its only when your employer demands it (ie no real choice for you) and can be limited to just employees of the emergency and armed services

That's right but it might be worth going back to them and explaining the situation (i.e. £800 out of pocket). Probably not a deal breaker on taking the job but worth asking I'd have thought.