Flight refund when event you are flying to is cancelled

dpsiple

Hi

I have tried to find an answer to this question but the result keep bring up flight cancellations.

I booked a standard basic flight with Iberia to Madrid. 

The event (3 hours northish from Madrid) for which I bought the flights, and was my sole purpose for travelling has been cancelled, and so I have no use for the flights. 

Iberia will only let me change the flight dates (with a fee) and only 12 months from the date of booking (not the date of flying), so having bought in advance I have a small window to move if I decided to do that. I cannot change destination either. 

There is nothing else to do at the event site - its in the middle of 'nowhere' deliberately so for the event. 

I have no accommodation (was included at event), I am travelling solo (as was meeting others from other countries there) and so even if i keep the flights I will have to go on my own (or pay for more flights for family to join me) and pay more for accommodation (at least for myself) - so this will cost me more than the £270 for the flights, so is already a no option.

So basically I am at option a/ lose the flights or ... that's it as far as I can see.

And so ... I was wondering whether because the event has been cancelled whether this was a reason to get a (special circumstances) refund - I imagine not?

Neil49

Sorry but all Iberia are contracted to do is fly you out to Madrid and back to the UK. Nothing more and nothing less.

The event being cancelled is irrelevant as it's not part of a package provided by them. You could possibly try for a refund via your travel insurance but I think that is probably doubtful as well. 

Emmia

Rebook for a nice weekend/short break in Madrid, get a hotel and do some sightseeing - perhaps for the late autumn/winter when it's cold and horrible in the UK.

Westin

Neil49 said:

Sorry but all Iberia are contracted to do is fly you out to Madrid and back to the UK. Nothing more and nothing less.

The event being cancelled is irrelevant as it's not part of a package provided by them. You could possibly try for a refund via your travel insurance but I think that is probably doubtful as well. 

Exactly this.

Refundable and changeable fares are available but of course more expensive.  If you book a cheaper ticket with restrictions and your plans change (like yours have) that is a gamble you take.  Iberia will not be interestedly in your special circumstances or give a further waiver over and above what your ticket fares rules state.

dpsiple

Neil49 said:

Sorry but all Iberia are contracted to do is fly you out to Madrid and back to the UK. Nothing more and nothing less.

The event being cancelled is irrelevant as it's not part of a package provided by them. You could possibly try for a refund via your travel insurance but I think that is probably doubtful as well. 

Westin said:

Neil49 said:

Sorry but all Iberia are contracted to do is fly you out to Madrid and back to the UK. Nothing more and nothing less.

The event being cancelled is irrelevant as it's not part of a package provided by them. You could possibly try for a refund via your travel insurance but I think that is probably doubtful as well. 

Exactly this.

Refundable and changeable fares are available but of course more expensive.  If you book a cheaper ticket with restrictions and your plans change (like yours have) that is a gamble you take.  Iberia will not be interestedly in your special circumstances or give a further waiver over and above what your ticket fares rules state.

Thanks all .. advise responses as expected but wanted to ask in case others knew something I did not .. 

heatherw_01

dpsiple said:

Thanks all .. advise responses as expected but wanted to ask in case others knew something I did not .. 

Hope you can at least make a holiday out of it, even if a short break.