Thomas Cook flight refunded by voucher?

helloray

I booked Thomas Cook flights, through lastminute.com (debit card) for myself and three other family members and TC collapsed a week before we were due to fly. I had to book new flights, which were much more expensive, as the trip had been arranged. When I looked into the possibility of a refund, lastminute.com had a notice on their website saying that they were automatically processing refunds and that these would be done within 60 days. A few days ago, I received an email, which informed me that my "voucher" was now ready for use. There was no explanation and no contact details to question this. My question is - is this standard practice? Is it legal? Has anyone else had a similar experience? I plan to contact lastminute.com in writing to say that I need the money back - not a voucher. We are not planning to travel anywhere in the next 12 months...

Browntoa

All ATOL refunds are in cash back to the account that paid for it.

Last-minute must have cash so not sure why they issued vouchers , nowhere in their terms and conditions does it say so

Alan_Bowen

This won't be an ATOL refund as Thomas Cook flights were not ATOL protected. If LM do not want to offer a refund, contact your debit card issuer and ask for a chargeback, that may be the best answer.

melb

In my ignorance I thought all flights were ATOL protected?

bradders1983

melb wrote: »

In my ignorance I thought all flights were ATOL protected?

Nope. :money:

helloray

Thanks for your reply - I will try that - but it had been my understanding that you could only do chargeback with credit cards - is that not so?

Alan_Bowen

No, chargebacks on debit cards work as well but only for the amount charged in the first place. If you booked with a credit card you can claim the additional costs you incurred because of the airline failure