Refund Of Deposit On Package Holiday With Flybe Flights

Twit_Head

Hi
Apologies if posting in the wrong place but I am a bit perplexed. Booked a package with travel agent in  early January 2020 from UK to Jersey using Flybe. Have paid £80 deposit, the  is balance due in one week. Obviously don't want to pay large amount that might be lost for a holiday that no longer exists!  Would really like my £80 refunded but travel agent seems to be prevaricating and reluctant to refund; holiday ATOL protected.  (I am not young and have heart disease, think they knew I was becoming reluctant to travel due to 'the bug'.)  They have not offered me alternative flight or date. So questions: How long should I wait before they act on a refund? If they do offer me alternative flight/date am I duty bound to accept it? 
Thank you for your help      'Twitty'

bagand96

When you book a package holiday, although flight details may be given, they are not always finalised.  So just because flybe have collapsed, it doesn't give you automatic right to cancel as the tour operator may well find replacement flights.

Most tour operator T&Cs will allow a cancellation in the event they make a major change.  A change of airline, or flight times by a few hours, will generally not be considered a major change.  A change of dates, or change of departure airport usually would be a major change.

So it might be a case of waiting to see what they propose.  Many Channel Island flights are being taken up with other airlines.  That said, with your balance payment looming, it's not unreasonable for you to ask what exactly they propose to do about your flights.

Westin

Just to add to the other response, presumably if you are paying your balance next week you are not due to travel on holidays for 8-12 weeks. A lot can happen in such a time frame. The tour operator does not have to confirm new flight details so early on.  I expect they are prioritising closer departures or have hands full with covid-19 issues in other areas.  They could also be waiting to see which other airlines apply for and pick up the old FlyBe route.  Please don’t assume this is your get-out to cancel and be refunded. If you fail to pay the balance you could lose your deposit and have the trip cancelled.

Twit_Head

Thank you for your helpful replies.