Why are travel businesses offering credit vouchers instead of cash refunds?

RichieB2

tudorfan39 said:

Just a thought, if we’re not happy with a credit note, is it time to go down the chargeback/section 75 route? 

When I called my travel insurance provider (gave up after 30 mins on hold) the recorded message said have you tried to get a refund form the flight provider and have you tried the credit card company. 

TrickyDicky101

I would be concerned that even if the provider survives this epidemic the Government funding that is likely to come to carry us all over the line will lead to a massive spike in inflation.  This will significantly devalue any credit issued now.  I don't think there are any easy options.

HarryGray

Any option of contacting your bank to say that your flight has been cancelled and they aren't issuing a refund to see if they can get the monies back? 

williamstewart

I've just cancelled some flights for a full refund.
Could have taken the voucher (or a cash refund less some cancellation fee), but I waited until the airline started to cancel things themselves before deciding on the full cash option.
Sure, I'll hopefully get the opportunity to fly again soon, but to be honest, having the cash in my bank is far more useful to me at this point in time as I've no idea how long this will go on and how much it will affect me in the long term.

TonyM19

Has anybody had any luck with a refund from Easyjet rather than rescheduling flights?  Had two trips booked with them over the next 10 weeks.  Rescheduled one to later in the year (might need to move again, who knows), but there is nothing available for me to transfer the second trip to.  Taken vouchers for my accommodation (booked separately).  Trying to work with Easyjet but I don't know how to proceed.  Technically the 2nd trip is still on (24 May).  Do I just wait?

babymoneyblagger

I have been waiting from lastminute for a refund since our flights were cancelled, we were due to fly 13th March to Rome, the flights were with TAP Portugal and Ryanair, Still not received our refund and lastminute have been giving customers the runaround including a high charge for phoning them and not replying to emails!! 

pinkpiglit

I made a booking at the Bellagio on 28 March which I booked through AlphaRooms.  Been patiently waiting for them to contact me which they finally did today.

Straight away they talked about the credit note they would be issuing, to which I replied I was  not interested and can they please refund the full amount to my credit card.

They had the cheek to say they can process a refund but would be withholding 10% of the amount as the booking is being cancelled within 10 days of my stay!   (As if it was my fault I was cancelling!)  This got my back up straight away.  I told them I strongly objected and wanted time to investigate my legal rights.  Then they tell me, in that case they are  marking by booking down as a 'No Show 'and to take it up through my insurer.  I hit the roof!  

After a rather heated discussion the booking remains 'as is' and I’m to email them.  Which I now have done.  In my email I pointed out that the Bellagio is refunding all bookings up to 16 April IN FULL and I expect them to do the same.

I know 10% isn’t the end of the world, but it’s the principle. 

percentxxx

tudorfan39 said:

Just a thought, if we’re not happy with a credit note, is it time to go down the chargeback/section 75 route? 

I have already started this with Amex for a package with Travel Republic , after hours of my unpaid time reading up on this I came across something that said package holidays are not covered by section 75 , one would think Amex would know this before starting this, also there is a loophole with the likes of sage pay which often jump in and do the transaction  again not covered by section 75 , it looks like a minefield with no one knowing all the answers 

JohnEverson

I had a package holiday cancelled by Hayes and Jarvis on Monday. Initially they said they would definitely refund me anything they could get back from their suppliers but I’d have to claim the balance on my insurance. They subsequently told me I would be sent a credit voucher for the full amount. When I asked for a full refund instead they told me they weren’t offering refunds. I understand their cash flow predicament but am furious that they’re trying to wriggle out of their obligations. If they’d been honest with me from the start about my options I might have accepted a voucher right away, but now I’m more determined to get a refund, particularly now it seems to have become clear that vouchers aren’t current covered by ABTA/ATOL. I’d always convinced myself it was better to buy a package rather than DIY to avoid this sort of scenario. Good luck to everyone else trying to get a refund and lets hope the pressure building to make vouchers secure has quick positive results.

MaebyJade

Had a holiday booked with Voyage Prive, and we were due to fly on the 23rd March. Obviously we can't go and keep getting emails from Voyage Prive asking us to log into our account and cancel the holiday in return for credit vouchers, which we have refused to do so. Firstly the value of the credit is less than what we have paid, we only get 70% back even though we've spoken to the Airline and resort who have said they have issues refunds the Voyge Prive. Secondly, as many on here have stated, there is a high chance we may never use these vouchers if they go bust (probably highly likely given the current climate). 

We've spoken to our Travel insurance who claim that package holidays aren't covered and we should speak to ATOL! 

I suppose the only option now is to put in a chargeback claim with the bank.