EU rules refund?

bluejosh1970

Hello, I'm a bit confused about whether or not I'm liable to a refund for my flight, I've seen lots of conflicting information and hopefully someone with a bit of experience might know the answer!

We booked for the four of us to go to Houston this Easter, and firstly, we tried to get Singapore to refund us but they said they would only give us vouchers. I've just submitted my claim with my insurer but have subsequently found that they haven't paid out to various other people if they've been offered vouchers. 

I've had a look on the CAA website though and they say under EU regulations, as long as the flight leaves from an EU airport, if the flight is cancelled, then I can pick either to receive a refund or be booked onto an alternative flight. The flight out has actually been cancelled (though this was subsequent to Trump announcing the ban on UK visitors and Raab advising against all non-essential travel, if that makes a difference)...

So seeing as the flight has been cancelled, if my insurer refuses to pay, am I entitled to a refund as per the EC261 regulations? My guess is that Singapore Airlines offering vouchers counts as being equal to a refund but is there anyone who can shed a bit more light on the situation? 

Many thanks 

bagand96

You are correct that you are entitled to a refund.  The industry at large (airlines and tour operators) do seem to be trying to coerce everyone into taking vouchers though.  The EU issued guidance on 18th March, which re-iterated passengers are entitled to refund.

Whilst the legal position is quite simple, getting your refund may not be.  Getting in touch with the airlines currently is very difficult - so it might take a while to get resolved.