Refund Flights- booked & paid with credit card

laurenparkes25

Hello,
I’m really unsure how to go about getting a refund for my flights, Me and my family are due to fly on the 28th of May 2020. I’ve had an email from my flight company (Ryanair) that I am able to change my flights to a later date but I would have to pay any difference.. they haven’t suggested refund just date change (to any date before the 31 August 2020) which is not ideal as I wish not to fly with a 3 month old baby at this time, I’ve already paid £800 for the flights and I can’t fly due to family not being flexible before the 31st of August and as I’ve already paid £800 I literally can’t afford to pay anymore money (maternity wage).. however when I booked I paid in full through my credit card, how do I go about getting a refund or if any advice would be most appreciated! 

Thank you 
Lauren 

[Deleted User]

Contact your card provider re a chargeback or section 75.

eskbanker

If they cancel your flight then you're legally entitled to a refund, as explained at https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/02/coronavirus-travel-help-and-your-rights/#vouchersnotrefunds

Even though Ryanair may not have voluntarily suggested this (unsurprisingly), it's your right to receive it so IMHO worth pushing them for this before getting your card company or insurer involved....

VortexSteve

Have Ryanair cancelled the flight? I've got a flight on the 23rd with Virgin and can't get a refund yet because technically it's still going ahead. Basically just a waiting game until things get a bit closer - Ryanair have apparently said they won't start again until 17th June. Once they cancel you can get a refund. If you cancel and the flight is going ahead standard T&Cs apply at this stage.

wiseonesomeofthetime

@laurenparkes25

Ryanair informed me that they offer "free" exchanges, in initial emails, and that, should my flights be cancelled, I should receive an email about two weeks before then that should include a REFUND option.

I have saved the Chat exchange where two agents have now confirmed the above.

I am due to fly 4 May 2020.

born_again

Deleted_User said:

Contact your card provider re a chargeback or section 75.

We have been told that we have to tell the customer to go back to travel co for a refund. As the higher up's have decided that travel co's will most likely reject these on the basis they are offering options of different dates, voucher or refunds.  Same with S75. Consensus is as they are offering the above, then there is no breech.

Speedbird676

If the flight is still operating then you're bound by Ryanair's terms and conditions for your ticket. Ordinarily you wouldn't be entitled to a refund and if you decide to change your flights you would have to pay a change fee and any difference in fare.

Ryanair, like most airlines, are waiving their change fee and allowing you to change your flight for just the difference in fare up until 31st August.

If the flight is cancelled Ryanair would legally have to give you the option of rebooking or a full refund.

You cannot just decide you want a refund and S75 is not applicable as Ryanair have not yet failed to provide the service as your flight is still operating. Given the FCO's advice to avoid all but essential travel, if your booking was made before that advice was given and you have travel insurance, you should be able to make a claim less any excess you may have on your policy.

wiseonesomeofthetime

Speedbird676 said:

Ryanair, like most airlines, are waiving their change fee and allowing you to change your flight for just the difference in fare up until 31st August.

If the flight is cancelled Ryanair would legally have to give you the option of rebooking or a full refund.

And there lies the issue. Ryanair know that prices up to 31 August will be more expensive and so customers will have to pay them more money in order to fulfil their trip. Add to that the fact that accommodation will also be more expensive, it is no wonder that many, like me, have no intention of accepting vouchers or exchanges that are not in our interest.

I will be holding out for the "flight cancelled" email, and then chase the full refund.

With a £50 excess on my policy, I would not get much back from my travel insurer either.

Possibly will have future battles with Eurostar in coming months too, though would rather fulfil my european breaks while we're still in transition.

wiseonesomeofthetime

Update: Ryanair's "Flight cancelled" email received yesterday.

Full Refund was among the options and, after following several links, refund successfully requested.

Received an email this morning, confirming the refund is to be processed, however, there may be a delay due to the volume of requests.

Just a waiting game now.