TAP Portugal cancelled flights then reinstated them

furfaceing

Rather confused. No emails received but when checking online via their manage booking page  

Originally TAP cancelled my flights Manchester to Miami via Lisburn, asked me to call them, I couldn't get through so Immediatly instigated a chargeback with credit card company.

Subsequently a few weeks later this then changed and put me on a different flight from Manchester to Lisburn but the flight to Miami would have to be the following day.

They have now again moved the flight to Manchester to a bit earlier meaning it now makes the connection to the Miami flight that is now flying later in the day, it will get us there about 2-3 hours later than originally planned.

The Miami flight has kept is original flight number but the one from Manchester has a different number than originally booked.

The return journeys had also changed but now changed back to  almost the original times and would get us back at the correct time, no flight numbers have changed on the return journey.

We have changed our plans because of the initial cancellation to drive to France instead.

Due to present UK restrictions TAP will know we cannot fly to the USA at the moment, what can we do ?

Does the change of just of the flight number on the short flight to lisburn mean we still have a legal right to refund as per EU261 or have they found a way of forcing us into a voucher?

I made a chargeback with my credit card months ago and it was paid out, however I did have one reversed with Ryanair so know that the chargeback whilst the money is back with me at the moment, could easily be changed if disputed.

The total cost of the flights was around £3050 so a good bit to lose.

eskbanker

Chargebacks can only be contested by the merchant within a 45 day window, so if you're beyond that then it's too late for them to attempt reversal.

Cancellation of one flight (signified by being moved to another one with a different number) does trigger full refund obligations for the entire booking, if the traveller doesn't choose to accept the proposed change.

furfaceing

Not too sure on the chargeback advice, Amex have told me they can contest the chargeback at any time.
Thanks though for the advice about the flight number change, it hopefully looks like I am covered due to the flight number change of one of the four flights.

Mrsn

Eskbanker is correct they only have 45 days otherwise they could do so 6 years later if they wish...

furfaceing

Mrsn said:

Eskbanker is correct they only have 45 days otherwise they could do so 6 years later if they wish...

Ok thanks, so I have about 1 week until that time limit is over.