Trailfinders refund

AykesburySaint

Hi, I am just wondering where I stand with regards getting my money back from Trailfinders.
I booked a holiday back in October to Japan, due to depart April 5th. The holiday was cancelled by Trailfinders, as per their email, on March 16th. I have asked numerous times about when they will deal with my refund (as they cancelled it following FCO advice). 
Speaking to them today, they have said it can take up to 12 weeks as they have to get the money back from British Airways and all the hotel and service providers in Japan first. I disagree, as my contract is with Trailfinders, not the suppliers. I understand that they had paid them all, as we were under 3 weeks to departure when cancelled, but should I have to wait for them? 
I really need the money back due to the current lockdown and my partner's work has ceased (therefore no income). 
Any advice on my rights, etc, would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

soolin

I think you need to be patient , refunds are taking quite a while at the moment. I’m over 3 weeks in from getting refunds on my March holiday but don’t really expect to see if for a few more weeks yet. 

AykesburySaint

soolin said:

I think you need to be patient , refunds are taking quite a while at the moment. I’m over 3 weeks in from getting refunds on my March holiday but don’t really expect to see if for a few more weeks yet. 

It's just that they kept saying they were working in date order and now they are saying that it is about recouping money back from suppliers. They have never said 12 weeks until today, if they had originally, I'd be more accepting. But they weren't telling me the true story of how long it takes.
I'd love to rebook the trip, but need the money to survive financially now...

comeandgo

Unfortunately you just have to wait.  Have you applied for universal credit?

AykesburySaint

I have just looked at the Package Travel and Linked Travel to Arrangements Regulations 2018.
Within this it states that where the tour operator has cancelled the contract, they must refund all money to the client with 14 days of the cancellation. If this is the case, I shouldn't have to be patient?

AykesburySaint

I have just phoned Trailfinders again. This time I spoke to a very helpful lady in Liverpool who has put my mind at rest.
She mentioned that they are trying to wait until all the money is refunded by airlines & suppliers before refunding but after explaining my issues, she is refunding the money they have so far and the rest will follow when the airline (BA) returns the airfare to them. So I can rest easy...