InterRail pass not usable due to Coronavirus restrictions

Chrispo

We bought Interrail global passes a few months ago and asked for them to be valid to use from 18/06/2020. It can be used for any 7 days within a month. We planned to go by rail to Norway but It currently looks like we won't be allowed to travel then due to the virus. Interrail have offered to make an 85% refund on these promotional passes which are normally not refundable, or they are offering to change the pass to a future date, all very commendable. But surely if the pass cannot be used on the planned date due to travel restrictions they should actually give 100% refund? We don't really want an exchange pass.

Life__Goes__On

Chrispo said:

We bought Interrail global passes a few months ago and asked for them to be valid to use from 18/06/2020. It can be used for any 7 days within a month. We planned to go by rail to Norway but It currently looks like we won't be allowed to travel then due to the virus. Interrail have offered to make an 85% refund on these promotional passes which are normally not refundable, or they are offering to change the pass to a future date, all very commendable. But surely if the pass cannot be used on the planned date due to travel restrictions they should actually give 100% refund? We don't really want an exchange pass.

How did you pay for it?

Chrispo

With a credit card.

Life__Goes__On

You should be able to get a full refund from your card as clearly there is fundamental change in the contract.
But you might have to wait nearer the date as it's not certain you won't be able to travel.

anneblyst

Did you get anywhere with this yet Chrispo? My daughter is in the same boat but she paid by debit card. 

Chrispo

Hi Anneblyst. I have decided to bide my time, firstly to see whether government restrictions will allow me to travel on 18/6/20,  the day I have reserved Eurostar, and secondly to see whether Eurostar themselves cancel their scheduled trains that day. Currently E* reckon they are starting a full schedule starting on 8/6/20. Not only am I hoping for a £472 refund on our Rail passes, but also on the E* reservations which cost £106 for two of us return. If I get nowhere with Interrail or E* then I will try a credit card reclaim.

anneblyst

Thanks, that's good advice. My daughter hadn't got as far as booking any trains etc but would still appreciate 100% refund of her Interrail ticket rather than 85%. It's a lot of money when you're an impoverished school pupil! 

Life__Goes__On

anneblyst said:

Thanks, that's good advice. My daughter hadn't got as far as booking any trains etc but would still appreciate 100% refund of her Interrail ticket rather than 85%. It's a lot of money when you're an impoverished school pupil! 

If your daughter struggles to book the trains she wants, then she could try a Chargeback on the debit card.