Virgin - Gatwick & Expedia - the refund saga (VA v E)

esellek

I have a flight booked (through Expedia) with Virgin flying from LGW (28/6), with today's news, and then having a wander around the Virgin website there is an announcement,

'We’re making some changes to optimise our network and simplify our fleet, as we aim to establish ourselves as the sustainability industry leader. As part of these changes, we’ll be moving our flying programme from London Gatwick, flying modern twin-engine aircraft from London Heathrow and Manchester'.

I am guessing that my flight is therefore cancelled, and could/will be re-routed - albeit my flight from LGW doesn't have the 'same' direct flight from LHR (there is one but with a 5+hr layover, which isn't a consideration as I am (was) travelling with my son who is on the autistic spectrum and any a layover would be a nightmare - I'm stressed even thinking about it!).

I think therefore that once I get told, I don't particularly want to try and get through to Expedia and I think that Virgin, as I didn't book with them, would probably not be able to assist, that I am able to request a refund for the flights.  In our situation, an offer of vouchers would not be suitable as I have absolutely no idea when we would be able to travel again (a lot of prep went into the planned trip).

Mrsn

My gut feeling is since the original route booked has (or should be cancelled) then yes a refund should be given.

Im not an expert and there are others that might be able to help further...

Life__Goes__On

You will be entitled to a refund if they try and switch airports,  VA might direct you back to Expedia if you paid them  for any refunds.

bradders1983

Life__Goes__On said:

You will be entitled to a refund if they try and switch airports,  VA might direct you back to Expedia if you paid them  for any refunds.

Virgin Holidays terms state that a change of London airports isnt classed as a "significant change"

No idea if the same applies to flight only. 

In any case, it might be cancelled anyway if the flight is only next month. 

paye

bradders1983 said:

Life__Goes__On said:

You will be entitled to a refund if they try and switch airports,  VA might direct you back to Expedia if you paid them  for any refunds.

Virgin Holidays terms state that a change of London airports isnt classed as a "significant change"

No idea if the same applies to flight only. 

In any case, it might be cancelled anyway if the flight is only next month. 

That's probably virgins terms & conditions, but I believe we are covered under EU Law. This is not a schedule change where only the time of the flight  has changed, but treated as a cancellation if a new flight number is given, so should be able to claim for a refund. 
https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/air/index_en.htm#cancellation

Thrugelmir

Somewhat unlikely that you'll be travelling next month. Freedom of movement is someway off yet. 

Life__Goes__On

"

bradders1983 said:

Life__Goes__On said:

You will be entitled to a refund if they try and switch airports,  VA might direct you back to Expedia if you paid them  for any refunds.

Virgin Holidays terms state that a change of London airports isnt classed as a "significant change"

No idea if the same applies to flight only. 

In any case, it might be cancelled anyway if the flight is only next month. 

I like to see them argue that a change of airport is just a minor change.

Westin

Life__Goes__On said:

"

bradders1983 said:

Life__Goes__On said:

You will be entitled to a refund if they try and switch airports,  VA might direct you back to Expedia if you paid them  for any refunds.

Virgin Holidays terms state that a change of London airports isnt classed as a "significant change"

No idea if the same applies to flight only. 

In any case, it might be cancelled anyway if the flight is only next month. 

I like to see them argue that a change of airport is just a minor change.

This is a standard tour operator clause and been this way for many years.  Both London Gatwick and London Heathrow are London airports. 

Life__Goes__On

Westin said:

This is a standard tour operator clause and been this way for many years.  Both London Gatwick and London Heathrow are London airports. 

They well may have clauses, but doesn't mean they are fair,  so could be invaded.
But happy to be corrected with info saying that an change of airport is a minor change in regs (not T&Cs.)

esellek

It is a bit of a sticky point.  Although, any new flight would mean there would be a stopover (having checked the schedule from LHR) unless they introduced a direct flight!!  Either way, I'm waiting on the cancellation - at the time of posting, the flight is still scheduled to leave LGW.

zacncaz381

Hi, likewise I have rtn flights booked 24/06, Gtw-JFK. I don't want to re-book from a different airport, I don't want to defer the flight - especially as I will be expected to pay any difference in fare! Are they not legally obliged to refund, given they have cancelled my flight? What are the specific legislative points of law which can be quoted