Etihad flight to Australia

crafty-66

I have a flight booked for 15 Nov to Australia through Etihad. I paid with credit card. My understanding from speaking with friends in Australia they are not accepting tourists this year and travel restrictions are in place now. I have been in touch with Etihad and it seems unlikely the flight will be cancelled and refunds are not being offered only transfers for next year or credit, this is no good for me. I would somehow like my money back any advice available would be appreciated.

*j*

Your best option might be to give your insurers a call and ask if the policy covers this situation.

Caz3121

you should also ask the question on at what point would they deal with a claim. They may only look at the situation a month or less before travel (if flight goes and there are no restrictions for November then it would be classed as disinclination to travel) nobody knows what the position will be in 4 months time

duckson

I'm in pretty much the same position. 
Flights booked for Perth, Aus with Qatar for 5th December (booked them in Jan).
Assuming we now won't be allowed to get in (very limited visa access) as most of the sounds out of Australia are pointing towards 2021 onwards at best for them opening up a bit more. Even if i got a visa you have to self isolate for 2 weeks so thats the holiday gone (plus pay for it, something like A$8000 for 5 of us!!! A none starter).

At what point do i cancel my booking?!
The app has current flights about 4-5 days in advance and whether they are going or not.
Qatar will give me about 50% (£2k from the £4k i paid) back but if the flight ends up being cancelled anyway i'd be entitlied to it all back! We can't go at any other time.
Also my accomodation wont want to find out a few weeks before i'm due to arrive i'm not coming or they will likely be keeping hold of a significant amount of my money!

Westin

“At what point do i cancel my booking?! ”

That is up to you and whether you want to try any recover money from the fare.

If you cancel now, or whilst the flight is scheduled, then normal fare conditions apply. Check booking for details.  Nearer to departure month Qatar may offer travel waivers allowing you to reschedule or take a credit. I doubt a cash refund would be offered.  If you wait for the airline to cancel the flight you may then be entitled to a refund.

A lot can happen and change between now and December.

duckson

Checking current flights from Manchester to Doha and the Doha to Perth flight there is the odd one cancelled but mainly they are listed as runnning/in flight/arrived.
Yes if i cancel now i'll lose ~50%, i'll leave it until nearer the time and pray they cancel the flight although will need to cancel within a certain time frame from the flight or else i'll lose 100%! They will let me rearrange or take a credit now but that is no use to me, I can't go at any other date for family reasons.
Checked my travel insurance and they wont pay out if the country you are going to no longer accepts overseas visitors, typical!

misuel1955

I booked flights to Australia over a year ago and took out insurance at the same time. Was due to fly out on 1st November 2020. The flights were paid for by one of the group using a credit card. Due to the restrictions on entry to Australia and the quarantine we would have had to undergo we decided to cancel the flights in the summer.  Credits and vouchers were the only options offered by Qatar and Etihad. My insurance company will not consider a claim for my element of the flight so I assume my friend will have to apply for a Section 75 chargeback. My circumstances have now changed and I have no plans to travel to Australia next year but need my money back. What are my options

Sandtree

misuel1955 said:
My insurance company will not consider a claim for my element of the flight

Why was your claim declined?

misuel1955

Insurer suggested Section 75 as its against the policy to accept credit or vouchers

Sandtree

What contractual term has the airline breached that means you are entitled to a S75 claim?

The flight is going, it appears to be your choice not to travel because the quarantine requirements at the other end doesnt fit with your plans.

So have you accepted the alternative and now want cash? Have the insurers quoted the clause they are reliant on for declining your claim... if not then ask them to.

misuel1955

In October only  Australian citizens where allowed to fly to Australia and quarantine would have been required for 14 days. My flight was due on 1st November. My friend accepted the voucher/credit. Qatar have indicated that no refund will be made until 2022 if the voucher has not been used but Etihad have stated that if the credit is not used all monies will be lost