Lastminute.com Flight refund help

Sjgregory82

Hi, can anyone help or advise me please.  I had a family holiday booked for June this year in Holland.  The flights and holiday were booked separately.  Whilst the Holiday part was cancelled and the company (Canvas Holidays) offered a full refund with issue, Lastminute.com are refusing a refund as the flight still went ahead, despite lock down rules at the time stating people from the UK could not travel to Holland.  On our booking information it states that the booking is still pending as opposed to it being in our past bookings section.  This led us to believe that the refund would be processed automatically without us having to request one, as with the holiday company.  We've contacted them recently after numerous failed attempts and they deny a refund was requested or that we are eligible for such as we had cancelled the booking insurance.  My understanding was that if you were unable to travel because of Covid lockdown, then all company's were obliged to offer a refund or travel vouchers.  Can any one offer any advice?

Thanks 

Caz3121

My understanding was that if you were unable to travel because of Covid lockdown, then all company's were obliged to offer a refund or travel vouchers. 

your understanding is incorrect...there have been many airlines operating throughout and customers unable to travel but that does not mean that they are entitled to a refund
You need to check what the airline was offering for flights that were not cancelled. Many were offering a change of dates and a few a future travel voucher but none, to my knowledge, will refund unless the original flight purchased was refundable. Any refund issued by the airline would be as per the fare rules of the ticket which may mean some taxes only (although Lastminute service fees may be more than this amount)
If your travel insurance covered FCO guidance you should address a claim to them, although they will likely want to confirm whether you were offered a voucher (some appear to be refusing claims if that was the case)
Third parties will only refund the flights if the airline issues refunds....if the airline does not refund, Lastminute have nothing to pass to you

Westin

Agree with Caz3121.  I think you have made incorrect assumptions. There was also no "lock down rules at the time stating people from the UK could not travel to Holland".   There are and were travel advisories.  If the flight operated you may not have a valid claim for a refund. Travel insurance may however cover this.