When is a package not a package?

exio

I booked a holiday with Expedia in February, for 2 weeks in Zanzibar in August. I booked the flights and accommodation with them, and ATOL certificate confirms it as a package - paid for everything together. At beginning of `March had an email from Qatar Airways cancelling the flights and would receive details about refund from my travel agent. Did not hear from Expedia, and took over a month before I could get to speak to someone there - they agreed eventually to refund of flights (in following ‘8 to 12 weeks’ but not seen it yet) but said had contacted hotel who refused to give a refund because they have a no cancellation policy - but would let me rebook at any time in next year with no extra cost. Am I working in believing that since this was booked as a package with Expedia they have a duty to supply a full refund of the whole amount - I do not know if or when I will be able to rebook, or when flights will be possible. I tried ABTa but I seems Expedia are not a member, so not sure what to do next. Any advice welcome!

eskbanker

You're right - if a holiday has to be cancelled because of one of its components being cancelled, the package organiser (Expedia here) are obliged under the Package Travel Regulations 2018 to refund you in full within 14 days, without any right to make this dependent on them recovering funds from their suppliers.

exio

Thank you eskbanker - that is what I believed; but not sure how to go about convincing Expedia of their obligation when they are refusing to acknowledge it. 

macman

Letter Before Action: giving them 14 days, then do a chargeback on your debit or credit card if they fail to comply.