Who to Aim MCOL Muzzle At...

Glassman

Booked a flight to Poland with Opodo. Paid them (with my business debit card).

CV19 happened and flight (eventually) was canceled. I contacted Opodo and they were very unhelpful. Extremely. After much badgering (and some Twitter mentions) they finally did something 'to help' me but merely referred me to the flight carrier, Ryanair. I resisted this as it was Opodo I paid.

I eventually succumbed to knocking on Ryanair's door and they too - so far - have been far from helpful. After persisting with the issue, my 'case' was updated with a status that a refund had been authorised and that I would receive it within 3-5 days. Two weeks later I suddenly remembered this and went into my online banking to check for an entry from Ryanair. There wasn't one. I went back to them and asked the obvious question. The response was that the 'refund team' is still on furlough and will be "for their protection" until further notice. Apparently, "because it's finance" they cannot work from home(!)

A fortnight later I received an email inviting me to re-book or hold on to a credit voucher which would remain valid for a period of time. I clicked the option which declined this 'offer' and to continue with the refund. At this point I received a notification that my 'ticket' had now been closed. If I try and recall my booking reference there's no record of it and the search usually returns with an error.

I've had enough, and it has now become a matter of principle. One thing for sure, is that Opodo will never see a penny of my money and neither with Ryanair. Meanwhile, I am considering initiating legal action to recover the cost of my canceled flight (via MCOL).

Technically speaking, who should I be aiming at, Opodo, or Ryanair?

Incidentally, I see that Opodo's cut is higher than Ryanair's!

Any advice, help or sympathy gratefully received and I thank you in advance.

waamo

Have you tried a chargeback from your card provider? That will be far quicker than the legal route.

Glassman

waamo said:

Have you tried a chargeback from your card provider? That will be far quicker than the legal route.

Business debit card. I think it falls outside the criteria.

Caz3121

what was the date of your flight?
Ryanair are processing refunds - they are aiming to complete April refunds today and May and June by end of the month
https://www.ryanair.com/gb/en/refundfaqs

Alan_Bowen

A chargeback should work. section 75 won't as it is the Consumer Credit Act. MCOL is a waste of time at the moment, a minimum of 12 months to get a hearing if the company defends the case. Ryanair claim 95% of refunds have already been made, so I suspect Opodo are the culprits, and for future reference, never, ever book Ryanair, Easyjet or any other low-cost carrier anywhere but their own website. All you are doing is paying a great deal extra for nothing

bagand96

Who did you actually pay?  Opodo or Ryanair, or both?  That will determine who you should direct any action at.

But I agree with Alan that MCOL won't resolve anything any quicker.

Glassman

Alan_Bowen said:

 for future reference, never, ever book Ryanair, Easyjet or any other low-cost carrier anywhere

I didn't choose to fly with Ryanair. Was somewhat reluctant because of the destination (Wrocław) and the time(s) of flight needed. Opodo the only one coming up trumps. It was only after I booked it when I saw who I would be flying with. Choosing another carrier to get me there would have doubled/tripled/quadrupled the travel time (several stops).

Caz3121

Glassman said:

 It was only after I booked it when I saw who I would be flying with.

Opodo show you the airline before you book. Whilst there can be some confusion with codeshares where they do not make it clear who the operating carrier is, that would not have been applicable, the fact Ryanair was the carrier would have been clear before you selected the flight

Alan_Bowen

And Ryanair do not codeshare with anyone, well perhaps the devil?

eskbanker

Alan_Bowen said:

And Ryanair do not codeshare with anyone, well perhaps the devil?

....so be wary if your flight number is LuciFR 666

[Deleted User]

eskbanker said:

Alan_Bowen said:

And Ryanair do not codeshare with anyone, well perhaps the devil?

....so be wary if your flight number is LuciFR 666

Bahahahah....not trying to minimise the OP problem but....did make me literally laugh out loud