flight refund rights

mondeo

I really dont know if this is the right section but here it goes.

When does a person have a right to a refund on a flight?

I have a flight booked to asia in october, 3 connecting flights all on one itinerary. If the agency I booked my flights with contact me regarding a change of schedule resulting in a delay of almost 10 hours of my original landing date am I entitled to request a refund of my flights? I'm not overly keen on such a big delay and would like to book my flights with someone else because of this. I'm using an agency I would not normaly use because the flights were cheaper with these guys but I'm not happy dealing with them and their confusing me with details.

Thanks

coylemj

Whether you have the right to a refund depends on the Ts and Cs of the deal you signed up for. Unfortunately you went for the deal because it was cheap, those deals tend to be inflexible when it comes to making changes so I suspect you're stuck with them.

mondeo

coylemj wrote: »

Whether you have the right to a refund depends on the Ts and Cs of the deal you signed up for. Unfortunately you went for the deal because it was cheap, those deals tend to be inflexible when it comes to making changes so I suspect you're stuck with them.

I thought there would be some regulation in ireland or EU in general that would cover you? They asked me do I accept the new schedule and I said I'd let them know in 24 hours if I do or not. If I dont accept what their telling me am I entitled to anything at all? They can't just keep all my money as its not my fault since its putting me out.

steve-o

When a schedule change leads to impossible connections the airline computer will rebook you automatically at new times, and sometimes those rebookings don't make a lot of sense. As part of the process, the airline will have sent a message to the booking agent to get them to confirm that you accept the change. Some agents are pretty lazy and don't seek out a better solution themselves.

You should go online and see what alternative flights are available with the same airline. If you can find something that suits better, then get back onto the agent and tell them what flights you want. Involuntary changes usually mean that you bypass any fare restrictions, so even if the fare has gone up they will accommodate you, but sometimes you need to be persistent if they try to fob you off. The airline should be flexible on this, and some will even allow a reroute on an alliance partner, and your agent should be willing to do the little bit of legwork to get you a result.

schemingbohemia

Also check first what you'll be able to book alternative flights for yourself, could be a lot more expensive now that you're closer to departure.

If the flight that is being delayed originates in the EU then you are covered by EU rules but if it's one of the Asian legs then I think you're on your own.