Refunding a flight bought from a package holiday

Grayzer1972

Bit complicated this one, but would appreciate any advice.

I booked a package holiday to Orlando last year. Flight direct from Glasgow to Orlando, Disney hotel and a Universal hotel. Flights due to depart on 02-Oct-20.

In November 2019 I paid for my flights via the travel agent in order to use my Air Miles to upgrade cabin class.

21-Jun-2020 Virgin cancel all flights from Glasgow until 2021.

My travel agent is saying I would not be entitled to a refund as it is their policy to re-book the flights to an indirect route as they class this as a MINOR change to the holiday.

My question is: as I have paid for goods, albeit via a third party, why am I not entitled to a refund as I am not receiving what I have paid for?

I have not received any other options as of yet; credit note, alternative flights. Just stuck in limbo.

sharpe106

what flights have they offered you?

[Deleted User]

I think most people would agree that having to plane hop instead of flying direct is a significant change?   Some people will only book direct because they loathe take off and landing so to add to this would not be minor to them!

Having said that, you have booked a package holiday and your holiday is not due to go ahead until October.   I would not do anything just now or worry about getting vouchers/refund.   IF at the time, your travel agents are unable to provide what you paid for then you will have the right to request a refund (or take other action depending on how you paid, insurance etc)  

Grayzer1972

They haven't offered me anything else as of yet.

[Deleted User]

Well, they won't because they won't know what is on offer yet?    Nearer the time they will and you can decide then if it is acceptable or not.    Lots of people in same situation and it really is just a waiting game as info changing daily.   Who have you booked with?   Most travel agents at moment are only working a fortnight in advance, if that.    Not ideal but what else can you do but wait? If you cancel you will lose money.  

Alan_Bowen

The real issue is probably going to be the USA's refusal to allow us to travel to the US for possibly the rest of the year. In that case, the whole holiday will be cancelled and you will be entitled to a full refund of money paid to the agent. Getting your Virgin miles back may be a much harder issue as they have been hopeless at even offering straightforward refunds for the last 3 months