Norwegian long haul cancellation - cashpoint exchange

bagand96

Shoedog said:

I have interesting news.....

Just like others on here, I booked flights to USA for summer 2020, then when the flights were cancelled, I accepted cashpoints. In November, I used the points to rebook for summer 2021, then all long haul flights were cancelled in Jan.

My situation is slightly complicated in that I paid for the outbound flight on a Santander DEBIT Card, but paid for the return flights on a Barclaycard CREDIT Card.

I recently approached Barclaycard, sent them all the supporting documents, and they have REFUNDED THE FULL AMOUNT. Santander are dragging their heels, and have warned me not to be optimistic (because it was a debit card ather than credit card), but they have logged the details and are sending a claim form to me to complete. So there is hope. Especially if you used a credit card. Hope this helps.

Good to hear that you've got a refund for some of the flights.  Did Barclaycard process it as a chargeback, or as a Section 75 claim?

Shoedog

They refunded my card, sent an accompanying email and text warning me that this was a measure taken while they continue to investigate. So there is a chance they will eventually side with the airline and take the funds back again. They didnt say whether it was chargeback or Section 75, and I didn't ask. Sorry.

Westin

Not wishing to rub salt in the wounds of those owed money by Norwegian, this news seems rather poorly timed.
https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/03/19/norse-atlantic-airways-launching/

bagand96

Westin said:

Not wishing to rub salt in the wounds of those owed money by Norwegian, this news seems rather poorly timed.
https://www.headforpoints.com/2021/03/19/norse-atlantic-airways-launching/

You would like to think that nobody in the industry would want to invest given the history... you'd like to think that aircraft leasing companies and suppliers would stay well clear.  But if they're desperate to place aircraft etc you never know.   Terrible name though even if they aren't serious.

Reminds me of the guy who ran a number of airline/charter flight outfits out of the UK in the 1990s/2000s.  Seemed to bounce back every few years after going bust, sometimes same aircraft with new logos...

Westin

I suspect the companies who own and lease out the aircraft will be happy to support and invest in this new venture. It will be credit on lease agreements rather than hard $$$. They will I am sure much rather have someone fly the air frames and take in some revenue than leave the aircraft sitting untouched at some remote airfield paying parking and maintenance fees.

Norwegian let me down twice once with a long delay coming back from the USA, second time around a long delay before a full cancellation on an ex UK service. I did receive EU261 compensation from both but decided to call it a day with them as they just were not an airline I could rely on.   

I'll be giving Norse Atlantic a wide berth.

Shoedog

Mills80 said:

Has anyone had any luck with raising a dispute with the credit card company ? Mine has told me that Norwegian air has acted within the law and they won’t raise a dispute for me. Has anyone had any luck in getting money back and by what means ? 

Mills 80, see my post at the end of this thread.... I was initially succesful with my Barclaycard credit card (thety refunded me, but they said they are still investigating and might take the money back!) Hope that helps.

cacolborn

Hi all, been monitoring this post for a while. We received cashpoints when our flight was cancelled by the airline - no option to cancel. Now there is no use for the points as they don’t fly to USA anymore. Also can’t use them at all! Just heard back from our credit card company - section 75 denied as they argue we were provided adequate compensation. Norwegian wouldn’t refund either. Going to try insurer next and if that doesn’t work it’s all over for our claim!

Alan_Bowen

No, it is not 'all over' for your claim. If your insurers say no then take the bank that issued your credit card to the Financial Ombudsman scheme

bagand96

cacolborn said:

Hi all, been monitoring this post for a while. We received cashpoints when our flight was cancelled by the airline - no option to cancel. Now there is no use for the points as they don’t fly to USA anymore. Also can’t use them at all! Just heard back from our credit card company - section 75 denied as they argue we were provided adequate compensation. Norwegian wouldn’t refund either. Going to try insurer next and if that doesn’t work it’s all over for our claim!

I agree with @Alan_Bowen and would be complaining to credit card company, and then the ombudsman if necessary.

Norwegian cancelled your flight, so by law are required to refund you.  Giving you points in an all but bankrupt airline, that cannot be used on a comparable product is not a refund!

This is of course assuming there was no option for a refund, and you didn't accidentally "accept" cashpoints.

Westin

bagand96 said:

cacolborn said:

Hi all, been monitoring this post for a while. We received cashpoints when our flight was cancelled by the airline - no option to cancel. Now there is no use for the points as they don’t fly to USA anymore. Also can’t use them at all! Just heard back from our credit card company - section 75 denied as they argue we were provided adequate compensation. Norwegian wouldn’t refund either. Going to try insurer next and if that doesn’t work it’s all over for our claim!

I agree with @Alan_Bowen and would be complaining to credit card company, and then the ombudsman if necessary.

Norwegian cancelled your flight, so by law are required to refund you.  Giving you points in an all but bankrupt airline, that cannot be used on a comparable product is not a refund!

This is of course assuming there was no option for a refund, and you didn't accidentally "accept" cashpoints.

Last point is key.
I think some were tempted to take the CashPoints option as the value was enhanced over and above the cash price paid.