RCN confusion

boris30

Is there ATOL protection for RCNs now ?  

My agent sent me one and claims it’s protected etc
Your Package Refund Credit Note is issued in line with Governmental advice via the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and latest advice from the Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) whom all have confirmed Refund Credit Notes are an acceptable alternative to cash or cancelled holidays and that your Package Refund Credit Note is financially protected in the event of future failed travel plans meaning your money is safe and secure,

Caz3121

boris30 said:

Is there ATOL protection for RCNs now ?  

there is a section in the main MSE article covering refund credit notes and ATOL
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/02/coronavirus-travel-help-and-your-rights/

Will I be ATOL-protected?

Right now, some holiday firms are issuing a special kind of voucher called a 'refund credit note'. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) says refund credit notes, which are issued if an ATOL-protected flight-only booking or package holiday has been cancelled, will likely offer ATOL insolvency protection. That means if you take the voucher and the firm goes bust, you should get a full refund.

Life__Goes__On

Caz3121 said:

boris30 said:

Is there ATOL protection for RCNs now ?  

there is a section in the main MSE article covering refund credit notes and ATOL
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2020/02/coronavirus-travel-help-and-your-rights/

Will I be ATOL-protected?

Right now, some holiday firms are issuing a special kind of voucher called a 'refund credit note'. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) says refund credit notes, which are issued if an ATOL-protected flight-only booking or package holiday has been cancelled, will likely offer ATOL insolvency protection. That means if you take the voucher and the firm goes bust, you should get a full refund.

There is a big difference between should and will,  to my knowledge the Government and /or the CAA haven't said they are protected (they are the ones that would back a CRN not ABTA)
If you demand a cash refund you will get your money back,  that's a lot better than should if you take a CRN.

EDIT,  One of the Team needs to update that info on this site, will the full facts.

boris30

How can abta come out with a statement like that if it still isn’t confirmed by the government etc?
Abta are quite clear that it is legit.

Iv asked for a refund and got told they aren’t doing refunds, that’s when they answer.
I can apply for a refund after 30/11/20 

Life__Goes__On

Still NOT protected
https://www.travelweekly.co.uk/articles/374059/refund-credit-notes-are-protected-by-atol-insists-leading-accountant
Dated 8th June
Abta has been urging the government and CAA since late March to confirm the Atol-protection of refund credit notes, issued in place of cash refunds for holiday cancellations if consumers will accept them.

So ABTA say the will seek a "judicial review"  if the CRN isn't protected!  what if they lose!!!
It's not their money they are gambling with, it's the customers.

Life__Goes__On

boris30 said:

How can abta come out with a statement like that if it still isn’t confirmed by the government etc?
Abta are quite clear that it is legit.

Iv asked for a refund and got told they aren’t doing refunds, that’s when they answer.
I can apply for a refund after 30/11/20 

ATBA represent travel agents so are very bias.

I strongly feel  something should have been done ages ago, the Gov/ CAA needs to say they are covered  or stop ABTA stating they are covered as fact.

Life__Goes__On

boris30 said:

How can abta come out with a statement like that if it still isn’t confirmed by the government etc?
Abta are quite clear that it is legit.

Iv asked for a refund and got told they aren’t doing refunds, that’s when they answer.
I can apply for a refund after 30/11/20 

What you have been told is complete rubbish.

https://www.ukecc.net/consumer-topics/travelrefunds.cfm
There is no legal obligation on any passenger to accept a rebooking or a voucher, and you can insist on a refund,

Who is your TA? What  method of payment did you use?

boris30

Destination2 , £2100 on credit card and nearly £900 on debit card.

Life__Goes__On

boris30 said:

Destination2 , £2100 on credit card and nearly £900 on debit card.

Raise  "Chargebacks" against each transaction (debit & credit cards) with your card companies stating non-supply of service, (using proof of cancellation) also state that you have rejected any vouchers that you are entitled to do under English law
Normally with a Chargebacks the money is returned once it’s processed

Destination2 can dispute the Chargebacks, but it must supply evidence to the card company.

If Destination2 is successful, then the Chargebacks is reversed and the money taken back  from your account

If that fails then it's a Section 75 on the credit card.

SevenOfNine

The latest from WHICH
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/06/holidaymakers-with-refund-credit-notes-could-pay-more-than-100-in-legal-fees-to-get-money-back/