Holiday cancellation

Tea drinker

Hi, I booked a holiday last week, a special offer.
Got the documents from them yesterday, was very suprised that it says that aircon may or may not be included, which is basically useless to my wife and I. I called them today, and they want a 75% cancellation charge.
They have already taken the full amount for the holiday from my credit card.
No mention was made of aircon or lack of it when I talked to the agent when booking. the hotel is a 3* allocated on arrival, in italy, end july.
I paid 43 euro travel ins each for wifey and me.

Is it just me or is this a bit out of order?.. but is it legal?
Ta for any advice

seamus

Tea drinker wrote:

No mention was made of aircon or lack of it when I talked to the agent when booking.

So you didn't ask about air conditioning? Air conditioning is not something the travel agent is obliged to tell you about, it's something you should ask about.

75% I think is a standard cancellation fee once you're two weeks (?) before the holiday.

Tea drinker

Well ok I didn't ask, I assumed 3* would have it. The tour operator didn't mention it though, and I assumed it would be a requirement for high season.
But given that I haven't signed the document which outlines the no A/C provision, I can change my mind?
If I bought a widget on the Internet, I could in send it back if I found it didn't suit my needs, why not here? Especially as I responded within one day of having received the description of goods, and haven't used the goods!

If you bought a TV, would you feel it fair they charge you 75% when they haven't even shipped it to you?

My feeling is this is a very poor policy.... but feelings well, aren't much use here!

Thanks for you advice Seamus.

seamus

This isn't something I've dealt with often - I prefer to sort out my own holiday arrangements. However, I think there may be a difference between booking the holiday and signing the document which you received. If you didn't have to sign anything in the travel agents, but they took money off you anyway, then they may not be in a position to hold onto a part of your fee.

However, now we're getting into legal advice territory, which is a no-no here. I can move it to Consumer Issues, if you'd like?

Tea drinker

Hi Seamus, no need to move it as I just got a call from travel agent ... and we can have aircon for additional 80 euro ea.
Which is different from friday : we called, and there is no aircon at your hotel.

for me this issue is closed, but lesson learnt:
checklists work!
Thanks for the help....

hullaballoo

Holy mother of God and the divine rosary. PLEASE STOP ASKING FOR LEGAL ADVICE!

I'm glad things panned out ok for you, Tea drinker. I enjoy a nice cup of tea myself on occasion, but even still, please read the forum charter and stickies before you post here again. Adieu.

mad m

@hullaballoo

Yeah Sorry also about the thread I started.

Tea drinker

Hey sorry 'bout that.... thanks for giving a little leeway to a feeble old rambler!