Ukraine

emmajjb

Hi guys

I booked a trip to Chernobyl in July 2021 and I was due to go on the 20th March 2022. I’ve contacted the company in Ukraine, advised them that due to the current danger I am not happy to travel and asked to delay it. They tried to assure me that it would all be calm by the time I travel in March but I insisted that I wouldn’t feel safe. After a discussion with my parents they fear that if things hit the worse scenario, the company I’ve booked with my struggle and go bump. So my question is, can I get my money back through my Barclay card credit card still after all this time? 

Additionally I’ve requested to cancel my flights with Ryanair and they insist they are still flying to Ukraine so I can’t cancel. 

Does anyone please know where I stand on all this? I have no idea what to do.

thanks For your time 

Upsidedownandaround

If the terms you agreed with the Ukranian company and your flights with Ryanair are non-refundable then if they still run the tour and flights fly you won't be entitled to a refund. It would be down to the terms you agreed with the tour company or any goodwill on their part as to whether you could change dates to later. You may be entitled to free flight changes with Ryanair to a later date depending on when you booked flights.

You only have a right to a refund if they don't go ahead. Given the way things are developing the tour and flights could be cancelled and you would be entitled to a refund so it may be worth waiting.

You would only be able to make a claim via your credit card if there is a breach of contract. So in your scenario if the tour company went bust and the cost was £100 or more it sounds like you would be able to make a claim via your credit card. However you wouldn't if you choose not to fly with Ryanair or go on the tour and they went ahead.

You would need to check your travel insurance to see if you are covered for your losses if either the tour or flight or both go ahead and you don't travel.

Sandtree

emmajjb said:

So my question is, can I get my money back through my Barclay card credit card still after all this time? 

You credit card can only step in if the companies you have paid breach their contracts. Unfortunately you deciding not to travel for obvious safety concerns isn't the merchants breaching their contracts. Even if RyanAir cancel the flight if the tour is still going on then your only claim on the credit card would be for the flights.

Travel insurance is a better bet but you would need to check where the exclusion for war, terrorism and civil unrest sits.

bagand96

As of today the UK FCO advise against all travel to Ukraine Ukraine travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)   You may be able to claim on your travel insurance many policies will cover you for FCO advice, however it will also depend on exclusions like war etc.  

Travel Insurance will only pay out as a means of last resort so they will want you to wait and see what happens.  With the state of emergency declared in Ukraine the local company may not end up running that tour.  Likewise Ryanair may not end up operating your flight in March.  But for the moment it's likely to be a case of sitting on your hands and waiting to see. 

Upsidedownandaround

Highly doubt tour or flight will be going ahead now. You still may have to wait until nearer the time for confirmation though that your flight and tour is definitely cancelled.

bagand96

Ryanair have suspended flights to Ukraine for "at least" the next 14 days, and have taken flights off sale for the next 4 weeks. So (unless there's some rapid de-escalation of the situation) it's just a case of waiting for them to notify you of cancellation and request your refund.

emmajjb

Thanks guys, so Russia have now taken control of Chernobyl. I’ve contacted the tour company and asked where I stand on a refund, and also contacted Ryanair. Thank
you for all your replies! I appreciate your help! 

bagand96

emmajjb said:

Thanks guys, so Russia have now taken control of Chernobyl. I’ve contacted the tour company and asked where I stand on a refund, and also contacted Ryanair. Thank
you for all your replies! I appreciate your help! 

I still think the sit on your hands advice is the best for the moment.  Ryanair will cancel the flight, it's then an automated process, you'll receive an email and have the option for a refund.

The tour company I would also wait to hear from them - remember you want them to cancel so that you have refund rights - you don't want a misunderstanding where they end up processing the cancellation as if you requested meaning no refund.  I'd also be patient with them - I appreciate its stressful for you losing your trip and wanting your cash back, but they are living through it in the country that's just been invaded.

elsien

5 months? OP was due to travel mid March. 

Caz3121

elsien said:

5 months? OP was due to travel mid March. 

misread OP and have deleted my post :-)