Travelling to Israel & Airline refusing full refund

Crystalpalacian1

DullGreyGuy I know this, I wasn't talking about doing jury service for civil law just in general.

According to you and many others on here, airlines have a 'carte blanche' to do whatever they want but that is not the case, justice in this case would be about about fairness, reasonableness and the balance of probability. So you must ask yourself the following:

1. Is it fair for the airline to refuse a full refund?

No it's not, the situation has changed drastically since I booked the flight and there is now a government advice in place and whether binding or not it tells you of the risk you are taking and it is a fair right for me to say I am not taking the risk.

2. Is it reasonable for the airline to say they have flights going there so I must go if I do not want to lose my money?

No, absolutely not! I cannot get normal insurance which was what I expected when I booked and I would probably not qualify for high risk insurance as my travel is not essential. Will the airline then assume responsibility for me whilst I'm there? Of course not but they are not giving me an option.

3. On the balance of probability, would I have known this was something that could have happen at the time of booking? 

No because I'm not psychic!

If it was case of me falling ill before I went away but had no insurance, I could live with that, because I wouldn't be able to travel anyway but I am fully able and wiling to travel but I just want to go somewhere a bit safer, is this too much to ask? 

phatbear

I dont get why this conversation is carrying on it appears you now have a barrister on speed dial thanks to your house insurance and you aren't getting the input that you crave from the people on here so why continue?

Fight your fight and i genuinely hope you get what you want from this situation. 

k12479

Crystalpalacian1 said:

3. On the balance of probability, would I have known this was something that could have happen at the time of booking?  

Quite possibly, yes.

This Government advice you keep referring to and relying on, did you bother to read it before Saturday? Because for over a year it's been saying the following, which hardly paints a picture of a risk-free destination:

The security situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories can be fast moving, tense and unpredictable. You should be vigilant at all times and keep up to date with local media and travel reports.

Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including places visited by foreigners including the Old City in Jerusalem, on public transport, and in busy public spaces. March-April 2022 saw 5 terrorist attacks in Israel, in which 24 Israelis were killed. See Terrorism

There have been repeated instances of rocket fire from Gaza, which may occur well beyond the Gaza border area....

Caz3121

looks like Virgin amended their update today...if you are due to travel between now and 28th October you can apply for refund
https://flywith.virginatlantic.com/gb/en/partner-hub/policies/Israel-Policy.html

Crystalpalacian1

Caz3121 thanks, it does fall within my travel timeframe but I now feel scared of contacting them to ask for a refund, I feel like the mob squad on here led by @phatbear  might gather outside their office telling them they shouldn't be doing this because there is nothing unusual about travelling to Israel now, just idiots like me arguing I don't want to risk flying to an active war zone and how very dare me not buying travel insurance as soon I book?

I should probably be locked up and the keys thrown away, my actions were way beyond the norm of society. But maybe I might be able to predict the next war or pandemic and come on here to warn others, because it is clear from the majority of responses in this thread are saying, I should have predicted this war back in August when I booked the flight. I'm sure they will be writing to complain to Virgin that they are out of line to offer a full refund in this case and perhaps telling them to start flying to Syria, war is just a small inconvenience after all!

turnitround

I really don't know why people come on these forums asking for help and advice when they  already know better than those they are asking. Despite a later post from the OP saying he didn't want help, he simply wanted to warn others, that was not what the last line of his opening post said.

Reading through the thread it just appears that the OP is stubbornly digging in his heels and refusing to listen to anyone's opinions so why keep posting if he is so sure he will get the outcome he desires and is making up reasons as to why he will get that outcome even if it flies in the face of the law. 

To complain about everyone's input whilst churning out made up legislation is ridiculous. It really is like a child throwing toys from a pram because no one will listen to his demands.

phatbear

Crystalpalacian1 said:

Caz3121 thanks, it does fall within my travel timeframe but I now feel scared of contacting them to ask for a refund, I feel like the mob squad on here led by @phatbear  might gather outside their office telling them they shouldn't be doing this because there is nothing unusual about travelling to Israel now, just idiots like me arguing I don't want to risk flying to an active war zone and how very dare me not buying travel insurance as soon I book?

I should probably be locked up and the keys thrown away, my actions were way beyond the norm of society. But maybe I might be able to predict the next war or pandemic and come on here to warn others, because it is clear from the majority of responses in this thread are saying, I should have predicted this war back in August when I booked the flight. I'm sure they will be writing to complain to Virgin that they are out of line to offer a full refund in this case and perhaps telling them to start flying to Syria, war is just a small inconvenience after all!

Or next time buy insurance when you book a holiday which, could, have overcome all of this stress which you have incurred. 

Oh look out for me on the news shouting at Richard Branson for allowing you a get out clause? 

Crystalpalacian1

k12479 looks like Virgin didn't read it too, as they are now cancelling flights and offering full refunds. 

phatbear well we're all not as perfect as you dear, I'm sure you're epitome of perfection in everything you do. Why not trying running the country next? We desperately need someone like you!

turnitround I'll get my refund despite the bashing, shaming, telling-offs, rebuff, being the subject of jokes etc. All it needed was a bit of human compassion and encouragement but it seems people these days are so devoid of such abilities. I'll be reflecting on this whilst I'm sipping cocktails on the gorgeous beaches of the Seychelles. Hopefully you  and other heartless pessimists never find yourselves in such a situation where fairness and compassion are expected. Losing £3.5k wouldn't have caused that much of a hole in my pocket anyway but like said I was merely sharing my experience. 

phatbear

Crystalpalacian1 said:

phatbear well we're all not as perfect as you dear, I'm sure you're epitome of perfection in everything you do. Why not trying running the country next? We desperately need someone like you!

The first sensible thing you've said! 

Enjoy your holiday.

And despite dodging this metaphoric bullet dont forget to purchase your travel insurance for your trip! 

Crystalpalacian1

phatbear thanks but sorry completely forgot to mention been distracted with all the bashings, Amex confirmed Travel Insurance is included with the BA Premium Plus card where flights and holidays are bought with the card.

Hmm....so not so perfect after all are we, giving misleading information? Naughty!