Hoseasons Cancellation Policy

madash01

Hi, we have a holiday booked with Hoseasons for break in France early July this year.  In keeping with a growing number of people on the Forum it looks as though we face the Cancel, Wait or Don't want to travel scenario. 

I am furloughed, work in the Aviation sector and have been told if I can return to work my salary will maintain reduced value into December if not beyond.  Not only can we not afford the holiday, but we do not want to travel now.

This being the case we want to cancel, and thought we would just forfeit the deposit however Hoseasons appear to require a cancellation fee (We payed the deposit and the balance remains) it looks as though the cancellation fee will amount to the region of £400-£500, maybe as much as £800 if I read their T&C correctly!  We are waiting for them to open tomorrow to find out the detailed breakdown.

We understand that the holiday companies are being hit by the pandemic and feel for them and their employees, however surely there must be some middle ground.  It feels as though the consumer is suffering unfairly; for the most part people are furloughed or have been made redundant so cannot afford a holiday and are being asked to stump up a cancellation fee for something that really is out of their control.

We have enjoyed holidays with Hoseasons for many summers and feel let down by their position on cancellation fees.  Companies like Hoseasons need to lead the way, show a great example to keep and win customers of the future.

If Hoseasons cannot change their position can we claim on our holiday insurance because we cannot afford to go, (I am furloughed not redundant) guess not but we wonder if companies like Hoseasons might be able to claim on their own insurance...

We feel bad to rant on about money when people we know and love are fighting their own battles against the virus.  Though we think we all need to look at our own positions, finances and well-being to be able to support our families in the future.

Thoughts?

mattyprice4004

My thoughts would be that a partial refund is a middle ground - midway between a full refund and nothing back. 
You may be able to claim on your insurance, but check with your provider - some cover this, and some don't. 
It's not likely Hoseasons have insurance for this; the risk isn't theirs to carry. 

Just my thoughts, but if ultimately you choose not to travel and there's no restrictions on travel I can't see them being liable for a full refund. 

Pollycat

This MSE article specifically mention Hoseasons:

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/02/coronavirus-travel-help-and-your-rights/

Maybe have a read, you'll need to scroll down.

[Deleted User]

Many many people caught in this catch 22.   If you cancel you are liable for whatever the t's and c's state when you booked.  Your best bet is checking with your insurance to see if you took out insurance that covered you and your family for your inability to travel?  Some cover for redundancy etc but you need to check.    

HeatherK45

Hey, I have this same problem. We booked a caravan in Cornwall for 10th July (holidays now cancelled up until end of June with Hoseasons). We booked with reduced deposit of £25 (normal deposit would have been £200). We were meant to pay the balance by 1st May but they have extended this until 17th June for the remainder of the holiday. So if I go with the standard terms I would be due 50% of the holiday cost because my holiday is 59 days away. I really don't feel happy going on this holiday now even if it does go ahead but didn't think we would loose so much money. We don't want an evoucher either if we pay it all because we are planning on an abroad holiday next year so it would be of no use. 
Should we:
A: Cancel the holiday now (if we can get through as people are having a nightmare)?
B: Wait until they cancel and if they haven't done this by time remainder is due we may have to pay more in the long run?

Life__Goes__On

If all that you lose is £25 now, I would cancel, as any hassle getting payment refunded wouldn't be worth it.
But it is a personal decision.

macca113

We have a two week holiday booked with Hoeseasons in Charmouth UK from the 27th June. Since hearing what the government said it was looking unlikely that this was going to go ahead so I went on to their site - my bookings. This confirmed that they were not taking any booking up to and including 30th June. They are only offering vouchers and say to ring to cancel for refund however' the phone has constantly had an engaged tone for the last few days even though I have repeatedly tried to make contact with them on 0345 4986594. At times it sounds as if the phone is actually off the hook. I cannot find any head office details to write to them. Any suggestions please.

Life__Goes__On

macca113 said:

We have a two week holiday booked with Hoeseasons in Charmouth UK from the 27th June. Since hearing what the government said it was looking unlikely that this was going to go ahead so I went on to their site - my bookings. This confirmed that they were not taking any booking up to and including 30th June. They are only offering vouchers and say to ring to cancel for refund however' the phone has constantly had an engaged tone for the last few days even though I have repeatedly tried to make contact with them on 0345 4986594. At times it sounds as if the phone is actually off the hook. I cannot find any head office details to write to them. Any suggestions please.

https://www.hoseasons.co.uk/contact-us
Hoseasons,
Lowestoft,
Suffolk,
NR32 2LW