Air Transat Flight only booking. Offering a credit only instead of full cash refund.

PSG1888

Do I have any comeback on this stance if I only want a refund  ?  Thanks

Coronavirus (COVID-19) 

If you were unable to travel due to the cancellation of our flights, we are providing a flight credit for travel within 24 months of your original travel dates.

These are extraordinary circumstances, when all airlines and travel companies have been forced to temporarily halt or drastically reduce their operations while governments have decided to close their borders.

This unprecedented situation is well beyond our control; we believe that the 24-month credit is an acceptable solution, and we are confident that our customers will be able to travel again in the near future, once the crisis passes.

Aylesbury_Duck

Yes, you can write to them asking for a refund as per your rights.  If they don't oblige, your only alternative is to take legal action, but be aware that that will take many months at the moment because there's a huge backlog of small claims.

PSG1888

Thanks. I wasn't sure with Air Transat being a Canadian Airline if this would be different ?

Aylesbury_Duck

It would be.  I assumed you were talking about a UK-based company.

PSG1888

Thanks again.  Not sure then if Canadian rules are different.

BuddyGirl

I'm in the same boat (plane?!).

Had booked two flights for a wedding early May which is still going ahead but much smaller scale.  Therefore I have no need for two flights to Canada within the next 24 months.  Lost almost all of my income due to COVID 19 so a refund would be very welcome. 
I do have travel insurance so once flight is actually cancelled (Air Transat only postponed until April 30th at the moment) I'll be in touch with both. 

Alan_Bowen

The rules in Canada are different so it depends whether you booked directly with the airline or through one of their agents such as Canadian Affair in the UK. If it was on the airline's website the Canadian rules apply.
While U.S. and European Union officials have ordered airlines to reimburse customers for cancelled flights, a statement on the Canadian Transportation Agency website says airlines are not obliged to refund passengers for flights suspended due to the novel coronavirus or other reasons outside a carrier's control. As far as I am aware every airline based in Canada is offering vouchers only

DPS-2016

Surely UK rules apply to sales in the UK?  
For example, a supplier in, for example, South America, must comply with UK product standards if they want to sell to a UK customer via their website.  Otherwise it'd render product standards useless - domestic suppliers would always be undercut.  
If this isn't the case, it ought to be.  
Either way, in my book, pay for a service in good faith and get refused a refund equals a valid chargeback claim.  And then boycotting the airline.  Legal in Canada or otherwise, it's morally reprehensible.  

laj60

I have the same problem with Air Transat, due to fly to Vancouver next Tuesday 12th May.  Refusing to refund and very rude replies from customer service on both messenger and twitter.  I booked through an agent here in the UK and they have said the same a voucher is my only option.  This was a once in a lifetime holiday for me for my 60th birthday and I won't be wanting to do the flights again, I booked on my debit card so I'm going to try the charge back next.

Sunnyside7

We're in the same boat; my sister was due to complete the Victoria 70.3 Ironman and then get married so my parents bought flights out there. Insurance company refusing to pay out because Air Transat offered vouchers (I'll be claiming their money back for that policy!) so thinking about Chargeback... I've got the template for the letter but wondering whether its best to go straight for Section 75 because flights were booked direct through Air Transat/Air Canada website?
I think its disgusting that a company can trade/fly in/to the UK but not have to follow UK legislation; i already expressed my disgust to Air Transat and told them i'll never fly with them or recommend them

Life__Goes__On

Sunnyside7 said:

We're in the same boat; my sister was due to complete the Victoria 70.3 Ironman and then get married so my parents bought flights out there. Insurance company refusing to pay out because Air Transat offered vouchers (I'll be claiming their money back for that policy!) so thinking about Chargeback... I've got the template for the letter but wondering whether its best to go straight for Section 75 because flights were booked direct through Air Transat/Air Canada website?
I think its disgusting that a company can trade/fly in/to the UK but not have to follow UK legislation; i already expressed my disgust to Air Transat and told them i'll never fly with them or recommend them

Go for a Chargeback first as will be quicker, if that fails then a S75