How are your REFUNDS coming?
Sep 30th, 2020, 02:12 PM
#101
pgtraveler that really is unfortunate. Theses are tough times for everyone and losing money isn’t fun but even just a little bit of flexibility and accommodation goes a long way.
I was fortunate to only be left with an air credit and voucher for a non refundable hotel room. The air credit gives me two years to use and if not a refund is my understanding. I would use it tomorrow if I could. The hotel credit is a joke. They give me only one year to use it or I loose it. I think I can get my money back if I rebook now because that hotel now and they didn’t before offer free cancellation. If I get my money back, I won’t use them again because who knows when we can travel again.
I was fortunate to only be left with an air credit and voucher for a non refundable hotel room. The air credit gives me two years to use and if not a refund is my understanding. I would use it tomorrow if I could. The hotel credit is a joke. They give me only one year to use it or I loose it. I think I can get my money back if I rebook now because that hotel now and they didn’t before offer free cancellation. If I get my money back, I won’t use them again because who knows when we can travel again.
Sep 30th, 2020, 08:11 PM
#102
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,533
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Today our TV news had a piece about a Canadian school tour group called Explorica. Parents of teens whose Euro-tours were covid-cancelled, have been so jerked around for refunds by that outfit's Toronto owner that they've finally hired a lawyer. Some were out $4,000 and more.
I just typed this post using a Venice-scene mouse pad from that same Explorica, one that they sent me a couple decades ago.
I am done. The integrity.
or lack thereof
I just typed this post using a Venice-scene mouse pad from that same Explorica, one that they sent me a couple decades ago.
I am done. The integrity.
or lack thereof
Oct 2nd, 2020, 01:19 PM
#103
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We originally opted for an electronic certificate worth $5,000+ for flights we had to cancel because of Covid-19 in late April. Decided to go for a cash refund so contacted United. Agent described what I had to do on line to process this refund. Totally impossible to navigate the website to accomplish this. Called United again and got an extremely helpful agent who processed this for me. She really had a time getting this done and commented that no wonder I wasn't able to process the certificate to cash refund.
Oct 5th, 2020, 06:48 AM
#105
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 283
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
United Refund
We originally opted for an electronic certificate worth $5,000+ for flights we had to cancel because of Covid-19 in late April. Decided to go for a cash refund so contacted United. Agent described what I had to do on line to process this refund. Totally impossible to navigate the website to accomplish this. Called United again and got an extremely helpful agent who processed this for me. She really had a time getting this done and commented that no wonder I wasn't able to process the certificate to cash refund.
Well, that didn't work out. United declined to convert the certificate to a cash refund. We do plan to travel when we can so the certificate will probably be okay, but I'm still not comfortable considering how long the pandemic will last. Better than nothing.
Oct 5th, 2020, 08:25 AM
#106
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,533
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wm, we are in much the same boat, with a certain deposit and also train tickets. It seems a toss-up whether to just write off the lost funds, forget about them and instead move on with less worry Vs By God, we paid good money and ain't nobody gonna rip us off--we'll chase you to the ends of the earth thinking.
Spare a thought for those whose refundage is utterly crucial to their current financial survival.
I am done. The end.
Spare a thought for those whose refundage is utterly crucial to their current financial survival.
I am done. The end.
Oct 9th, 2020, 03:28 AM
#108
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Persistence and patience
So far, so good.
Small tour company in Australia: In March I declined a credit, received a letter for my insurance company for the non-refundable deposit, and submitted an insurance claim which was quickly settled. The tour company promised a refund for the balance “within 15 days” but after 3 months of nothing but promises I lodged a dispute with Visa. I got a response about 3 months later (they said it would take 60 business days) and received a refund from the tour company and surprisingly also a conditional refund from Visa a couple of days later. I am assuming Visa will reverse the credit at some point, but for the moment I am spending on their dime.
Air France YYZ to Madagascar: Air France cancelled our original flights and rescheduled me for a different day. By this time we were well into the lock down with no intention to travel but the website said I was ineligible for a a refund. However when I contacted an AF agent by phone I was told I could get a refund within 12 weeks. Thirteen weeks into the wait time I called again, my claim was put on ‘priority” and was told there would be a wait of another 1-3 weeks. Wait and see.
Tour company for Madagascar: Only a non-refundable deposit had been paid. I cancelled before final payment due and after some effort to get the proper documentation was reimbursed by my insurance company.
Cathay Pacific to Australia YYZ to PER/ This booking was primarily on points, a first ever international flight business class I was really looking forward to. (Gotta love those lay flat seats on a 32 hour journey). It was a little complicated but no problem to cancel and rebook. Now I am scheduled for early December and have been notified about two schedule changes which are irrelevant because Australia is letting next to no international flights in. I’ll wait to reschedule when it looks like we will actually be able to fly, possibly early April, a full year after our original booking. Western Australia has been virtually Covid free, and isn’t in a hurry to open its borders to anyone.
Virgin Australia: I have been assured that I will receive a travel credit for a cancelled domestic flight, which clearly I will not be ably to use any time soon.
All in all, I haven’t fared too badly considering the magnitude of the upheaval in the travel industry.
Small tour company in Australia: In March I declined a credit, received a letter for my insurance company for the non-refundable deposit, and submitted an insurance claim which was quickly settled. The tour company promised a refund for the balance “within 15 days” but after 3 months of nothing but promises I lodged a dispute with Visa. I got a response about 3 months later (they said it would take 60 business days) and received a refund from the tour company and surprisingly also a conditional refund from Visa a couple of days later. I am assuming Visa will reverse the credit at some point, but for the moment I am spending on their dime.
Air France YYZ to Madagascar: Air France cancelled our original flights and rescheduled me for a different day. By this time we were well into the lock down with no intention to travel but the website said I was ineligible for a a refund. However when I contacted an AF agent by phone I was told I could get a refund within 12 weeks. Thirteen weeks into the wait time I called again, my claim was put on ‘priority” and was told there would be a wait of another 1-3 weeks. Wait and see.
Tour company for Madagascar: Only a non-refundable deposit had been paid. I cancelled before final payment due and after some effort to get the proper documentation was reimbursed by my insurance company.
Cathay Pacific to Australia YYZ to PER/ This booking was primarily on points, a first ever international flight business class I was really looking forward to. (Gotta love those lay flat seats on a 32 hour journey). It was a little complicated but no problem to cancel and rebook. Now I am scheduled for early December and have been notified about two schedule changes which are irrelevant because Australia is letting next to no international flights in. I’ll wait to reschedule when it looks like we will actually be able to fly, possibly early April, a full year after our original booking. Western Australia has been virtually Covid free, and isn’t in a hurry to open its borders to anyone.
Virgin Australia: I have been assured that I will receive a travel credit for a cancelled domestic flight, which clearly I will not be ably to use any time soon.
All in all, I haven’t fared too badly considering the magnitude of the upheaval in the travel industry.
Oct 9th, 2020, 11:09 AM
#109
SAS Airlines cancelled our flight June 16. We requested our refund that day. After two months no refund had come through and they kept telling us we were "in the queue" for a refund. I filed a dispute with my credit card company and had a credit to my account within a week. However, that is basically temporary and if the cc company looks further and decides I need to wait for SAS, it can be taken away.
Just two days ago, three and a half months after the refund request, SAS emailed saying they'll give me an extra $35 if I agree to a voucher rather than a refund. They owe me $3074 and offer an extra $35 in a voucher??!!!!
They should be ashamed of themselves. There are people on their Facebook page who are still waiting after six months!!!
Just two days ago, three and a half months after the refund request, SAS emailed saying they'll give me an extra $35 if I agree to a voucher rather than a refund. They owe me $3074 and offer an extra $35 in a voucher??!!!!
They should be ashamed of themselves. There are people on their Facebook page who are still waiting after six months!!!
Oct 12th, 2020, 06:33 AM
#111
SAS Airlines cancelled our flight June 16. We requested our refund that day. After two months no refund had come through and they kept telling us we were "in the queue" for a refund. I filed a dispute with my credit card company and had a credit to my account within a week. However, that is basically temporary and if the cc company looks further and decides I need to wait for SAS, it can be taken away.
Just two days ago, three and a half months after the refund request, SAS emailed saying they'll give me an extra $35 if I agree to a voucher rather than a refund. They owe me $3074 and offer an extra $35 in a voucher??!!!!
They should be ashamed of themselves. There are people on their Facebook page who are still waiting after six months!!!
Just two days ago, three and a half months after the refund request, SAS emailed saying they'll give me an extra $35 if I agree to a voucher rather than a refund. They owe me $3074 and offer an extra $35 in a voucher??!!!!
They should be ashamed of themselves. There are people on their Facebook page who are still waiting after six months!!!
Oct 12th, 2020, 09:29 AM
#112
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,533
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One wonders what the role of unions might be in some of these ridiculously insulting offers. We can imagine the union reps at the bargaining table trying to protect their members' jobs by insisting with the Airlines that before mass layoffs, they must at least first go through the motions of making these offers, even if they are some sort of trial balloons.
Bon chance to all of us as we go through this pandemic, crossing our fingers.
I am done. The end.
Bon chance to all of us as we go through this pandemic, crossing our fingers.
I am done. The end.
Oct 13th, 2020, 05:32 AM
#113
Yes, I turned it down.
Someone on their Facebook page keeps telling everyone to be patient. He also said according to their local newspapers SAS has to give refunds by Dec. 1. We'll see. So far the credit from Capital One is still on my account.
Someone on their Facebook page keeps telling everyone to be patient. He also said according to their local newspapers SAS has to give refunds by Dec. 1. We'll see. So far the credit from Capital One is still on my account.
Oct 13th, 2020, 05:53 AM
#114
We used Capital One to get our refund from our airline. We had no problems & got the refund.
Oct 16th, 2020, 04:00 AM
#115
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So far, so good.
Small tour company in Australia: In March I declined a credit, received a letter for my insurance company for the non-refundable deposit, and submitted an insurance claim which was quickly settled. The tour company promised a refund for the balance “within 15 days” but after 3 months of nothing but promises I lodged a dispute with Visa. I got a response about 3 months later (they said it would take 60 business days) and received a refund from the tour company and surprisingly also a conditional refund from Visa a couple of days later. I am assuming Visa will reverse the credit at some point, but for the moment I am spending on their dime.
Air France YYZ to Madagascar: Air France cancelled our original flights and rescheduled me for a different day. By this time we were well into the lock down with no intention to travel but the website said I was ineligible for a a refund. However when I contacted an AF agent by phone I was told I could get a refund within 12 weeks. Thirteen weeks into the wait time I called again, my claim was put on ‘priority” and was told there would be a wait of another 1-3 weeks. Wait and see.
Tour company for Madagascar: Only a non-refundable deposit had been paid. I cancelled before final payment due and after some effort to get the proper documentation was reimbursed by my insurance company.
Cathay Pacific to Australia YYZ to PER/ This booking was primarily on points, a first ever international flight business class I was really looking forward to. (Gotta love those lay flat seats on a 32 hour journey). It was a little complicated but no problem to cancel and rebook. Now I am scheduled for early December and have been notified about two schedule changes which are irrelevant because Australia is letting next to no international flights in. I’ll wait to reschedule when it looks like we will actually be able to fly, possibly early April, a full year after our original booking. Western Australia has been virtually Covid free, and isn’t in a hurry to open its borders to anyone.
Virgin Australia: I have been assured that I will receive a travel credit for a cancelled domestic flight, which clearly I will not be ably to use any time soon.
All in all, I haven’t fared too badly considering the magnitude of the upheaval in the travel industry.
Small tour company in Australia: In March I declined a credit, received a letter for my insurance company for the non-refundable deposit, and submitted an insurance claim which was quickly settled. The tour company promised a refund for the balance “within 15 days” but after 3 months of nothing but promises I lodged a dispute with Visa. I got a response about 3 months later (they said it would take 60 business days) and received a refund from the tour company and surprisingly also a conditional refund from Visa a couple of days later. I am assuming Visa will reverse the credit at some point, but for the moment I am spending on their dime.
Air France YYZ to Madagascar: Air France cancelled our original flights and rescheduled me for a different day. By this time we were well into the lock down with no intention to travel but the website said I was ineligible for a a refund. However when I contacted an AF agent by phone I was told I could get a refund within 12 weeks. Thirteen weeks into the wait time I called again, my claim was put on ‘priority” and was told there would be a wait of another 1-3 weeks. Wait and see.
Tour company for Madagascar: Only a non-refundable deposit had been paid. I cancelled before final payment due and after some effort to get the proper documentation was reimbursed by my insurance company.
Cathay Pacific to Australia YYZ to PER/ This booking was primarily on points, a first ever international flight business class I was really looking forward to. (Gotta love those lay flat seats on a 32 hour journey). It was a little complicated but no problem to cancel and rebook. Now I am scheduled for early December and have been notified about two schedule changes which are irrelevant because Australia is letting next to no international flights in. I’ll wait to reschedule when it looks like we will actually be able to fly, possibly early April, a full year after our original booking. Western Australia has been virtually Covid free, and isn’t in a hurry to open its borders to anyone.
Virgin Australia: I have been assured that I will receive a travel credit for a cancelled domestic flight, which clearly I will not be ably to use any time soon.
All in all, I haven’t fared too badly considering the magnitude of the upheaval in the travel industry.
I have now received a full refund from Air France, 14 weeks after it was requested.
At the moment I am ahead of the game , as I received a refund from a tour company and a conditional credit from Visa for the same amount. Just waiting now for the travel voucher from Virgin Australia .
Oct 17th, 2020, 02:48 AM
#116
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,398
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wm, we are in much the same boat, with a certain deposit and also train tickets. It seems a toss-up whether to just write off the lost funds, forget about them and instead move on with less worry Vs By God, we paid good money and ain't nobody gonna rip us off--we'll chase you to the ends of the earth thinking.
Spare a thought for those whose refundage is utterly crucial to their current financial survival.
I am done. The end.
Spare a thought for those whose refundage is utterly crucial to their current financial survival.
I am done. The end.
That said, I can't agree that the purchase of travel services and products is crucial to financial or any other kind of survival. If one has mortgaged the farm to buy a trip for one's child, one has problems independent of any pandemic.
Oct 22nd, 2020, 03:53 AM
#117
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 854
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Virgin Australia has come through with a Future Travel Credit. It is for the full $ value of the original flights but operates more like loyalty points because the airline determines availability of seats where the credit can be used. However seats can be booked up until July 2022 for flights up to July 2023. Also, the credit can be used to purchase flights for anyone, not just the passengers on the original flights. So not a bad deal for us as our family in Australia can use the credit if we can’t. Overall, IMHO, a reasonable resolution given that the airline was in bankruptcy protection and we could have ended up with squat.
All our claims totalling about 7,500 CAD have now been settled to our satisfaction. That works out to about $1,000/month: worth the wait and effort.
All our claims totalling about 7,500 CAD have now been settled to our satisfaction. That works out to about $1,000/month: worth the wait and effort.
Nov 2nd, 2020, 11:36 AM
#118
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good news! I have managed to obtain Future Travel Credit for the $6200 I had stranded in Covid-hell in the best possible way. I already had a credit through CheapOair for use for the same route and the same people whose names were on the tickets. I mustered up courage and approached them asking if they could flex on that and allow me to use the credit for any travel destination and not be restricted to the same people on the original reservation - this was for a Kruger safari this past June. They pushed me onto JetBlue - the carrier - saying they were bound by airline policies. So I called JetBlue and managed to connect with the BEST airline phone-rep EVER. I had to stay on the phone for 45 minutes but she wrestled with her supervisor and came back with the offer that I clould use the credit for anyone and for travel anywhere on ANY airline JetBlue has a code-share arrangement with. Hallelujah! Seek and ye shall find!
Nov 2nd, 2020, 11:43 AM
#119
Good news! I have managed to obtain Future Travel Credit for the $6200 I had stranded in Covid-hell in the best possible way. I already had a credit through CheapOair for use for the same route and the same people whose names were on the tickets. I mustered up courage and approached them asking if they could flex on that and allow me to use the credit for any travel destination and not be restricted to the same people on the original reservation - this was for a Kruger safari this past June. They pushed me onto JetBlue - the carrier - saying they were bound by airline policies. So I called JetBlue and managed to connect with the BEST airline phone-rep EVER. I had to stay on the phone for 45 minutes but she wrestled with her supervisor and came back with the offer that I clould use the credit for anyone and for travel anywhere on ANY airline JetBlue has a code-share arrangement with. Hallelujah! Seek and ye shall find!
Nov 5th, 2020, 08:39 AM
#120
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,533
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes!!! We just got a response from the Italian company, Amalfivacation that had our deposit for their splurge Ravello villa rental. We had been keeping that substantial deposit in place for future use, in hopes that covid would soon finish. I'd finally given up waiting for covid to end any time soon and had just asked that outfit for a refund a couple of days ago. They agreed to refund us the full amount, which was over $4,000. Amalfivacation have been real pros, and excellent throughout the whole process from day one a year ago, when I first plopped down that deposit far in advance of the actual rental dates.
I had just stressed with the company that Mrs Z and I are not rich people and that the rental was to have been (and may yet be again some day) an all-time splurge for us.
Wishing everyone similar satisfaction.
I am done. Damme un bacio, Elena!
I had just stressed with the company that Mrs Z and I are not rich people and that the rental was to have been (and may yet be again some day) an all-time splurge for us.
Wishing everyone similar satisfaction.
I am done. Damme un bacio, Elena!
