No refund on Agency Fee - Travel disrupted due to Middle East conflict

crabscoot

I bought flight tickets through a UK-based agent. The airline has issued a statement saying that free cancellation and a full refund are eligible for my travel dates.

I contacted them 10 days ago to ask about options for rerouting or rebooking, but they haven't responded, which is understandable given the situation. In the meantime, I had to purchase a new flight while waiting for their reply, as prices were going up. They have now responded, however, the agent says they will refund the flight cost, but the booking fee remains non-refundable according to their policy if I choose a cash refund.

I would like to know, since these are extraordinary circumstances, does the agent need to refund the booking fee, or is there nothing much I can do to challenge this?

Thank you.

Isthisforreal99

The agent did their job did they not by booking the flights so are entitled to be paid for it.

Caz3121

pretty standard. You need the agency to work on your behalf as middleman with the airline, they don’t work for free. For future you can book direct with the airline and be their direct customer and cut out the middleman - if you choose a third party rather than booking direct then this is the trade off

Worried_fool

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6659842/no-refund-on-agency-fee-travel-disrupted-due-to-middle-east-conflict

OK, do NOT agree to a refund.

The airline is legally obliged to reroute you, and since they did not respond to your request they are now obliged to pay for your new flights. Invoice them for the actual amount you spent, and be very clear that this is the cost of re-routing, not a refund.

Read the sticky on this board for the correct legal terminology.

sheramber

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81924323#Comment_81924323

I think the OP contacted the agency, not the airline.

MyRealNameToo

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81924323#Comment_81924323

They say they have already bought a replacement flight, how do you propose they use two different flights on the same day?

Ayr_Rage

What we don't know is whether the flight was cancelled or the airline was offering full refunds for all ticket classes due to the situation in the ME..