Australia Holiday bookings

Traveljunky

I have posted previously about getting notification from Qatar Airlines that our flights to Australia in September have been cancelled and we are currently waiting on a refund. 
We hadn't booked much else for the holiday but we had booked both the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and a hotel in Port Douglas.
I haven't contacted either of them yet asking for a refund but I have seen on the Bridge Climbs Facebook page complaints about them refusing to issue refunds (even to international tourists) and insisting on issuing vouchers instead. 
Since it is us who will be cancelling the bookings rather than them, can we make a chargeback against the credit card I used to pay for the climb and the hotel deposit if they refuse to issue a refund?

Life__Goes__On

Traveljunky said:

I have posted previously about getting notification from Qatar Airlines that our flights to Australia in September have been cancelled and we are currently waiting on a refund. 
We hadn't booked much else for the holiday but we had booked both the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and a hotel in Port Douglas.
I haven't contacted either of them yet asking for a refund but I have seen on the Bridge Climbs Facebook page complaints about them refusing to issue refunds (even to international tourists) and insisting on issuing vouchers instead. 
Since it is us who will be cancelling the bookings rather than them, can we make a chargeback against the credit card I used to pay for the climb and the hotel deposit if they refuse to issue a refund?

No,  as it won't be them (at the moment) that wants to break the contract. (card advice only)

[Deleted User]

I am surprised Qatar have cancelled now for September as nobody knows what will happen next week never mind in 4 months but that isn't the question is it?     What were the conditions you booked under?  Non refundable? cancellation costs?   Perhaps if you cancelled now you would only lose a portion of the amount you paid?    If you booked under non refundable then you will probably have to wait until nearer the time to plead your case for a refund.   If they continue to hold out with vouchers ask how long the vouchers would be valid for?   If you are planning to visit Australia at some point in the future you may be able to tie it in.
Who Knows, you might be able to rebook with a different airline if Australia is 'open' for business in September (doubtful but you never know)

Traveljunky

Yes I was surprised too that Qatar cancelled so early. To be honest I was relieved as I don't fancy flying anywhere at the moment. 
According to the terms and conditions on my booking "Should a Climb not proceed then Climbers will be re-scheduled at their convenience, be issued with a refund voucher in the case of purchases bought through a third party reselling Climbs (“Reseller”), or be reimbursed the price paid for a Climb, but otherwise shall have no claim whatsoever (including no claim for travel expenses or any other out of pocket expenses) relating to the cancellation of a Climb"

however that has now been replaced on their website by 

"BridgeClimb bookings 1st July -  onwards
At this stage all climbs departing from 1st July 2020 are scheduled to continue. If you are unable to climb or BridgeClimb is still unable to operate/open, you will receive a fully transferable credit to use within the next three years. This credit will automatically be applied to your BridgeClimb booking with confirmation sent via email". 

[Deleted User]

Hmmm well 3 years seems quite reasonable if you are intending to visit Australia at some point in future.  If not, then you can try pleading to their better natures for a cash refund?    Not sure if they would offer this to you now or nearer the time?   Or if other flights are operational from UK  by September if they would consider it cancelled by yourself?   It is tricky.   

I take it you don't want to go in September now even if you could?   In which case I think you might have to write off this one, if you could get there but choose not to.?   

What about the hotel?   Have you paid for that in full and have you any cancellation choices in their terms?

I think I would be inclined to wait nearer the time to see how the situation is both in Australia and here, although really up to you as no harm in asking is there?
Edited to say:  I would wait to see about the climb.  If the hotel is offering refunds for early cancellation then do it now.

lady1964

OP, when are you due to fly to Australia? I’m just curious as we’re due to fly to Sydney on Singapore Airlines on 20th September. I feel it’s likely that our flights will be cancelled but I would be surprised if they are cancelled this early.