Non-refundable Flight - cancelling - only paid a fraction of the flight

rjpop

Hi All,

I booked some non-refundable flights through Travel Republic .

Thus far I've only paid about a fifth of the cost of the tickets and the rest is due soon.

Our situation has suddenly changed and I want to cancel. But Travel Republic are saying I am liable for the full cost of the flights, whereas I am saying I'm not paying and keep the amount I've paid so far.

What are my rights here. Is there a risk to holding off and not paying the full amount?

Thanks

 

JGB1955

Yes...you owe the full amount and risk being sued for the balance. Claim on your travel insurance...
 assuming its a valid claim.

onashoestring

 rjpop said:

I booked some non-refundable flights through Travel Republic .

Travel Republic are saying I am liable for the full cost of the flights…. 

You owe Travel Republic for the full cost of the flights - this liability doesn’t change because you have changed your mind/ circumstances have changed / you are disinclined to travel. It’s a debt you owe . As with any  unpaid debt the creditor (Travel republic ) is entitled to recover the money from you - if you don’t pay they can use debt collectors to recover the debt you owe . This will incur additional charges for their services .
Your credit rating may be negatively impacted by an unpaid debt . They could take you to court to recover the money. You could get a CCJ against you .

If your travel insurance policy covers your change of situation ( e.g. loss of employment/ diagnosis of illness ) you may be able to claim the cost of the flights from them - check the T& Cs of your travel insurance policy . 

bagand96

TravelRepublic will have paid the airline for the tickets at the time of booking - even though they've offered you a deposit scheme. The flights are non-refundable and TR won't get a refund from the airline.  This is all laid out in their T&C's and at the time of booking you agreed to the T&C's for both TravelRepublic and the airline.

Certain airlines and other suppliers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly - up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you. Any supplier charges are in addition to the charges we levy as an amendment fee as detailed below.

As other posters have said it might be worth checking your travel insurance to see if your circumstance is covered.  Failing that you may be able to amend the dates of the flight depending on the airline - subject to admin fees.

tightauldgit

Your rights here are that you need to pay for the ticket you bought and comply with the terms of that ticket.

The risk of not paying is the same as not paying any legitimate bill that you decide not to pay. 

rjpop

Thanks for your advice everyone. I've paid up and looking forward to our holiday 

davelewis

Cancellation terms are always in your contract when you book. Read the contract. I know no-one does but all the information you need is in there.