CoronaVirus

towger · 27-03-2020 8:10pm

USIT has gone bust.

elperello · 27-03-2020 8:21pm

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/usit-travel-group-in-liquidation-due-to-coronavirus-crisis-1.4214108

The judge said he had availed of the services of USIT many years ago.

Space Dog · 27-03-2020 10:36pm

I have a flight booked for next week, was unsure whether to change the booking or take a voucher. What do the new measures for staying at home and within a 2 km radius mean for my flight now? Can I request a refund?

elperello · 27-03-2020 10:46pm

Space Dog wrote: »

I have a flight booked for next week, was unsure whether to change the booking or take a voucher. What do the new measures for staying at home and within a 2 km radius mean for my flight now? Can I request a refund?

If you live more than 2km from the airport the Govt. says you can't go.

Seeing as most people do live more than 2km from the airport this should mean all flights cancelled. If your flight is cancelled you will get a refund

However the airlines are playing chicken with their customers trying to hold on to their money and give them vouchers.

Just keep an eye on the airline website and your email.

Space Dog · 27-03-2020 10:58pm

elperello wrote: »

If you live more than 2km from the airport the Govt. says you can't go.

Seeing as most people do live more than 2km from the airport this should mean all flights cancelled. If your flight is cancelled you will get a refund

However the airlines are playing chicken with their customers trying to hold on to their money and give them vouchers.

Just keep an eye on the airline website and your email.

Yeah was thinking they will probably try to avoid refunds. Gonna wait for more communication from them

Mach Two · 28-03-2020 11:05am

Anyone know anything about the "Feed the Heroes" Go Fund Me Campaign.

Technocentral · 28-03-2020 1:27pm

Got this from Ryanair earlier today, removed my flight ref

Dear Customer,

I refer to your recent request for a refund on your booking confirmation .......

Due to the high volume of flight cancellations due to COVID 19, we are experiencing an unprecedented high volume of requests. We are currently working through the backlog and ask that you please bear with us.

Please do not resubmit your request.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

woodchuck · 28-03-2020 4:34pm

We got the same email today Technocentral. We filled in the refund form 8 days ago. We took screenshots at the time, but never got any sort of acknowledgement until that email today. I think it's understandable that it will take them time to work through the backlog. I don't mind waiting for the refund... so long as we actually get it! So feel better having gotten that email at least.

Nigel Fairservice · 28-03-2020 4:56pm

woodchuck wrote: »

We got the same email today Technocentral. We filled in the refund form 8 days ago. We took screenshots at the time, but never got any sort of acknowledgement until that email today. I think it's understandable that it will take them time to work through the backlog. I don't mind waiting for the refund... so long as we actually get it! So feel better having gotten that email at least.

I just got the same email. I thought it was funny they asked people not to resubmit their refund applications. When I applied for mine I wasn't 100% sure it had gone through. It might have helped if they sent on an email acknowledgement of receipt of the refund application. I applied for refunds from hotels.com and Premium Inn and both acknowledged my refund request by email.

Caranica · 28-03-2020 7:16pm

I haven't had any email and it's more than 2 weeks since I submitted the form to Ryanair

testtech05 · 28-03-2020 8:18pm

Caranica wrote: »

I haven't had any email and it's more than 2 weeks since I submitted the form to Ryanair

How long before the flight should I expect an email saying I can cancel? I'm due to fly in 2 weeks but no word yet

Caranica · 28-03-2020 8:47pm

testtech05 wrote: »

How long before the flight should I expect an email saying I can cancel? I'm due to fly in 2 weeks but no word yet

I got it as soon as my flight was cancelled

Nigel Fairservice · 28-03-2020 8:54pm

testtech05 wrote: »

How long before the flight should I expect an email saying I can cancel? I'm due to fly in 2 weeks but no word yet

I had flight booked for 10/04 and got notified I could cancel on 24/03.

testtech05 · 28-03-2020 9:50pm

Caranica wrote: »

I got it as soon as my flight was cancelled

Maybe they haven't cancelled mine officially yet

mjquinno · 30-03-2020 10:18am

FGR wrote: »

Loveholidays contacted me to offer me a voucher for my holiday which was cancelled as the hotel is closed and the airline is not flying.

They're refusing to offer a refund - so it looks like I'll have to go down the chargeback route.

The ironic thing is that the hotel and the airline have told me that they're refunding customers who booked directly - I would have been better off had I booked directly as opposed to with an agent. I originally thought a person would have more protection booking via an agent but I think I've learned a lesson here.

Will update on this and how I get on with the bank and Mastercard.

I am having terrible time getting them to cancel. due to travel in may. they are saying all normal T&C apply after april 15. so cancellation is 600 euro (following ABSTA rules) I have only paid a deposit but am due to pay another installment tomorrow. i pushed out other payments as far as i could (april 27th) to see if ABSTA update their policies and loveholidays are forced to refund without cancellation fees.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak

They are following the above rules - i rang credit card company and they wont do a chargeback. as they company is compliant to governing body ABTA (UK)

if you look at the irish literature:

https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/71954/65b80dd6c15f40c4b5df337671048f24.pdf#page=1

I am entitled to full refund but i bought the holiday from an english company. Credit card company wouldnt follow up. i also heard that loveholidays arent offering refund only vouchers - which once i get to that point ill have to argue as well.

another variable is that they go bust - they are ATOL protected so money should come back. They aint making it easy and i look forward to there demise post Virus.

Fitz* · 30-03-2020 12:50pm

I was due to fly on March 14th with Ryanair, the same day as the travel ban was issued for the destination. I was sent the refund link by Ryanair that day, and applied.

Today, they updated saying that they are working on a backlog, so that's 16 days wait time, at least.

testtech05 · 31-03-2020 12:19pm

testtech05 wrote: »

Maybe they haven't cancelled mine officially yet

Just to update on this I got the refund email last night so applied today and will see how long it takes to hear back.

grimm2005 · 31-03-2020 12:20pm

FitzShane wrote: »

I was due to fly on March 14th with Ryanair, the same day as the travel ban was issued for the destination. I was sent the refund link by Ryanair that day, and applied.

Today, they updated saying that they are working on a backlog, so that's 16 days wait time, at least.

I got the same "be patient" email as well and not to resubmit, this was after the return leg was also cancelled but I submitted for both in the first instance. I'm not really expecting anything before the end of April but still good to get some correspondence in relation to it. I had another flight with Wizz Air cancelled as part of the same trip which I received credit for but was told the refund can take up to 60 days. I guess part of it is to dissuade people from taking the refund and keeping the credit instead.

acequion · 01-04-2020 4:15pm

Would anyone know what to do about prepaid airport parking please?

I had booked and prepaid Shannon airport parking for a few days next week. Do I claim it off my credit card, directly from the airport or from my multi trip insurance?

Thanks a mil for replies!

Curb Your Enthusiasm · 01-04-2020 4:30pm

acequion wrote: »

Would anyone know what to do about prepaid airport parking please?

I had booked and prepaid Shannon airport parking for a few days next week. Do I claim it off my credit card, directly from the airport or from my multi trip insurance?

Thanks a mil for replies!

Just email the airport. I'm sure they'll process a refund.

killbillvol2 · 01-04-2020 5:26pm

acequion wrote: »

Would anyone know what to do about prepaid airport parking please?

I had booked and prepaid Shannon airport parking for a few days next week. Do I claim it off my credit card, directly from the airport or from my multi trip insurance?

Thanks a mil for replies!

Dublin Airport allows you to cancel and refunds to the card. Very straightforward. Do you have that option in Shannon?

Sheep Shagger · 01-04-2020 5:51pm

killbillvol2 wrote: »

Dublin Airport allows you to cancel and refunds to the card. Very straightforward. Do you have that option in Shannon?

Yep I emailed them and they refunded, assume Shannon will do the same.

killbillvol2 · 01-04-2020 6:18pm

Sheep Shagger wrote: »

Yep I emailed them and they refunded, assume Shannon will do the same.

You don't need to email them. Just go to the booking (Manage My Booking or similar) and cancel it. You can do it up to the day before if not closer.

acequion · 01-04-2020 8:53pm

Thanks so much guys for the replies,very helpful. I'll go about cancelling and getting refunded tomorrow.

Curb Your Enthusiasm · 01-04-2020 10:16pm

acequion wrote: »

Thanks so much guys for the replies,very helpful. I'll go about cancelling and getting refunded tomorrow.

Hope you get sorted.

Tippgirl74 · 02-04-2020 1:10pm

Curb Your Enthusiasm wrote: »

Hope you get sorted.

Can report that we had no problem with quickpark in Dublin. Money refunded to card without delay.

Tippgirl74 · 02-04-2020 1:18pm

Interestingly, got the following email from hoppa. We had a fully refundable booking!! I have queried it with them so will see. Might open a PayPal dispute, as transfer was 100euro return.

Good day

Unfortunately with the current situation, we will not be processing any refunds in cash, we are refunding clients with Hoppa credits that can be used for future bookings. I am sure you understand the current situation we are all facing. We have extended the validation date to the 30th of June 2021. We hope to see you traveling with us again soon.

Kind regards,

Curb Your Enthusiasm · 02-04-2020 1:51pm

Tippgirl74 wrote: »

Interestingly, got the following email from hoppa. We had a fully refundable booking!! I have queried it with them so will see. Might open a PayPal dispute, as transfer was 100euro return.

Good day

Unfortunately with the current situation, we will not be processing any refunds in cash, we are refunding clients with Hoppa credits that can be used for future bookings. I am sure you understand the current situation we are all facing. We have extended the validation date to the 30th of June 2021. We hope to see you traveling with us again soon.

Kind regards,

Swiss Airlines are the same - currently not processing any refunds for cancelled flights but will rebook to a different date. "check back later for refunds" is basically what they're telling everyone.

It's ridiculous. If the flight is cancelled it should be an automatic refund IMO. Just hope they don't go under in the meantime!

killbillvol2 · 02-04-2020 2:46pm

Curb Your Enthusiasm wrote: »

It's ridiculous. If the flight is cancelled it should be an automatic refund IMO. Just hope they don't go under in the meantime!

Unfortunately those two things are connected. Some airlines will go under if they're forced to issue cash refunds.

I'm not getting into a debate on the rights and wrongs of it, anyone can quote regulations, but these are not normal circumstances.

Tippgirl74 · 02-04-2020 3:07pm

Curb Your Enthusiasm wrote: »

Swiss Airlines are the same - currently not processing any refunds for cancelled flights but will rebook to a different date. "check back later for refunds" is basically what they're telling everyone.

It's ridiculous. If the flight is cancelled it should be an automatic refund IMO. Just hope they don't go under in the meantime!

Not making it easy!! I would agree you should be entitled to an automatic refund.

Curb Your Enthusiasm · 02-04-2020 3:11pm

killbillvol2 wrote: »

Unfortunately those two things are connected. Some airlines will go under if they're forced to issue cash refunds.

I'm not getting into a debate on the rights and wrongs of it, anyone can quote regulations, but these are not normal circumstances.

I get that and fully appreciate the circumstances are hard for the businesses. I just hope they make it through.

Tippgirl74 · 02-04-2020 3:15pm

Looks like hoppa had themselves covered in the fine print. I believe that if you make a fully refundable booking, then that's what it should be, refundable in cash!

JohnCleary · 02-04-2020 4:32pm

Vueling just DENIED my refund request, despite them cancelling the flight.

Time to claim off the insurance (more paperwork, great).

Tippgirl74 · 02-04-2020 4:46pm

JohnCleary wrote: »

Vueling just DENIED my refund request, despite them cancelling the flight.

Time to claim off the insurance (more paperwork, great).

You could try to claim charge back from your credit card? Might be first preference if you have an excess. Our insurer insureandgo did not cover our flights...or anything else!!

JohnCleary · 02-04-2020 5:23pm

Tippgirl74 wrote: »

You could try to claim charge back from your credit card? Might be first preference if you have an excess. Our insurer insureandgo did not cover our flights.

There is no excess on my policy.

MultiTrip confirmed previously we are covered.

I am tempted to do a chargeback, but i'm wondering will the bank state that Vueling were in compliance, they quote:

We acknowledge receipt of your claim dated 28/03/2020 20:08:51.

First of all, we regret the cancellation of your flight VY8720 operated from BCN DUB on 29/03/2020.

While Vueling commits to operate flights with punctuality, infrequently there are events arising outside of our control which are unpredictable and unavoidable, causing the disruption of a flight.

Regarding your claim for a compensation, Vueling has analyzed your case, which must be dealt with under the Regulation (EC) Nº 261/2004 (the “Regulation”) and the relevant legal doctrine from the ECJ.

In this case, however, we regret to advise no compensation is due, because the cancellation of the flight was caused by the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, which caused restrictions, limitations and the application of additional measures on the number of flights to be operated, all of them understood to be considered as “extraordinary circumstances”, as set out in Article 5.3 of the Regulation and under the ECJ legal doctrine and declared by the European Comission.

As you are aware, public authorities take measures (prohibit flights, ban the movements of persons…) intended to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, such measures
are by their nature and origin not inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of carriers and are outside their actual control.

Because of the nature of the event, Vueling could not avoid the disruption as this was caused by an unpredictable, unavoidable (although taking all reasonable measures) event, falling outside Vueling’s control and therefore, Vueling could not apply any additional reasonable measures to subsequently try to at least minimize the disruption.

Again, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have suffered
by the disruption to your flight.

Best regards,

Customer Service Department

VUELING AIRLINES S.A.

Padraig Mor · 02-04-2020 5:43pm

JohnCleary wrote: »

There is no excess on my policy.

MultiTrip confirmed previously we are covered.

I am tempted to do a chargeback, but i'm wondering will the bank state that Vueling were in compliance, they quote:

We acknowledge receipt of your claim dated 28/03/2020 20:08:51.

First of all, we regret the cancellation of your flight VY8720 operated from BCN DUB on 29/03/2020.

While Vueling commits to operate flights with punctuality, infrequently there are events arising outside of our control which are unpredictable and unavoidable, causing the disruption of a flight.

Regarding your claim for a compensation, Vueling has analyzed your case, which must be dealt with under the Regulation (EC) Nº 261/2004 (the “Regulation”) and the relevant legal doctrine from the ECJ.

In this case, however, we regret to advise no compensation is due, because the cancellation of the flight was caused by the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, which caused restrictions, limitations and the application of additional measures on the number of flights to be operated, all of them understood to be considered as “extraordinary circumstances”, as set out in Article 5.3 of the Regulation and under the ECJ legal doctrine and declared by the European Comission.

As you are aware, public authorities take measures (prohibit flights, ban the movements of persons…) intended to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, such measures
are by their nature and origin not inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of carriers and are outside their actual control.

Because of the nature of the event, Vueling could not avoid the disruption as this was caused by an unpredictable, unavoidable (although taking all reasonable measures) event, falling outside Vueling’s control and therefore, Vueling could not apply any additional reasonable measures to subsequently try to at least minimize the disruption.

Again, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have suffered
by the disruption to your flight.

Best regards,

Customer Service Department

VUELING AIRLINES S.A.

That's on relation to compensation though, not a refund. Seems that way to me anyway

Tippgirl74 · 02-04-2020 5:46pm

JohnCleary wrote: »

There is no excess on my policy.

MultiTrip confirmed previously we are covered.

I am tempted to do a chargeback, but i'm wondering will the bank state that Vueling were in compliance, they quote:

We acknowledge receipt of your claim dated 28/03/2020 20:08:51.

First of all, we regret the cancellation of your flight VY8720 operated from BCN DUB on 29/03/2020.

While Vueling commits to operate flights with punctuality, infrequently there are events arising outside of our control which are unpredictable and unavoidable, causing the disruption of a flight.

Regarding your claim for a compensation, Vueling has analyzed your case, which must be dealt with under the Regulation (EC) Nº 261/2004 (the “Regulation”) and the relevant legal doctrine from the ECJ.

In this case, however, we regret to advise no compensation is due, because the cancellation of the flight was caused by the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, which caused restrictions, limitations and the application of additional measures on the number of flights to be operated, all of them understood to be considered as “extraordinary circumstances”, as set out in Article 5.3 of the Regulation and under the ECJ legal doctrine and declared by the European Comission.

As you are aware, public authorities take measures (prohibit flights, ban the movements of persons…) intended to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, such measures
are by their nature and origin not inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of carriers and are outside their actual control.

Because of the nature of the event, Vueling could not avoid the disruption as this was caused by an unpredictable, unavoidable (although taking all reasonable measures) event, falling outside Vueling’s control and therefore, Vueling could not apply any additional reasonable measures to subsequently try to at least minimize the disruption.

Again, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience you may have suffered
by the disruption to your flight.

Best regards,

Customer Service Department

VUELING AIRLINES S.A.

Did you claim for a refund or for compensation?? They are two very separate claims as I understand it...

My understanding is that the eu directive requires airlines to issue a refund if the flight is cancelled regardless of the circumstances. Compensation is only in certain limited circumstances. I am still awaiting a refund from Ryanair for our cancelled flights but we will see.

I opened a PayPal dispute with hoppa regarding our transfer refund. Nothing to lose really but I'm not too hopeful.

JohnCleary · 02-04-2020 6:26pm

Padraig Mor wrote: »

That's on relation to compensation though, not a refund. Seems that way to me anyway

Tippgirl74 wrote: »

Did you claim for a refund or for compensation?? They are two very separate claims as I understand it...

My understanding is that the eu directive requires airlines to issue a refund if the flight is cancelled regardless of the circumstances. Compensation is only in certain limited circumstances. I am still awaiting a refund from Ryanair for our cancelled flights but we will see.

I opened a PayPal dispute with hoppa regarding our transfer refund. Nothing to lose really but I'm not too hopeful.

Good points.

I initially followed a link from Vueling (Facebook) and it's possible that I hit 'claim' rather than refund, as I note they date 28/03/2020.

I'll ring Vueling again tomorrow (tried again earlier, no luck) and see if I can get confirmation that my refund is in place.

otnomart · 02-04-2020 6:27pm

Accor Hotel to close two thirds of its Hotels worldwide
https://www.bfmtv.com/economie/coronavirus-accor-va-fermer-les-deux-tiers-de-ses-hotels-dans-le-monde-1887352.html

Their Brands include: Ibis, Novotel, Mercure, Sofitel...

Tippgirl74 · 02-04-2020 7:00pm

JohnCleary wrote: »

Good points.

I initially followed a link from Vueling (Facebook) and it's possible that I hit 'claim' rather than refund, as I note they date 28/03/2020.

I'll ring Vueling again tomorrow (tried again earlier, no luck) and see if I can get confirmation that my refund is in place.

Well there was no automatic 'in place' with Ryanair. I had to fill out a form for a refund. So just check what the procedure with vueling is...

stargazer 68 · 03-04-2020 9:52am

Folks anyone know how far Ryanair are up to with sending refund emails - we have flights booked for 25th April and nothing from them yet.

Fitz* · 03-04-2020 10:06am

Dovies wrote: »

Folks anyone know how far Ryanair are up to with sending refund emails - we have flights booked for 25th April and nothing from them yet.

you're probably about 7 or 8 weeks behind IMO. I only received an email this week for a flight on March 14th saying that they are working on the backlog.

Tippgirl74 · 03-04-2020 10:26am

Dovies wrote: »

Folks anyone know how far Ryanair are up to with sending refund emails - we have flights booked for 25th April and nothing from them yet.

March 24th and nothing yet

stargazer 68 · 03-04-2020 10:47am

FitzShane wrote: »

you're probably about 7 or 8 weeks behind IMO. I only received an email this week for a flight on March 14th saying that they are working on the backlog.

Got the refund email from them last week for our 10th April flight so assumed they were heading to the end of April ones!

Fitz* · 03-04-2020 10:55am

Dovies wrote: »

Got the refund email from them last week for our 10th April flight so assumed they were heading to the end of April ones!

I had gone the refund email alright closer to the flight date, and I applied for it instantly. The last mail was just a follow-up to say that they are working on the backlog.

gmisk · 03-04-2020 10:59am

Aer lingus flight to Verona 14th April...still no cancellation email.
Only offered to move dates or voucher.

um7y1h83ge06nx · 03-04-2020 1:05pm

For those having difficulties getting refunds, has anyone explored a chargeback?

That's what I'm doing, will see how it goes - have the details in another thread "Anyone having issues getting a refund from TUI?"

paddy19 · 03-04-2020 2:11pm

"Got the refund email from them last week for our 10th April flight so assumed they were heading to the end of April ones!"

They are obviously buried. I see the flight status page is only for the next 3 days.

It's a pity that Aer Lingus are still playing silly games trying to get "clients" to rebook flights.
Who in there right mind is going to change flights to some date in the future?
This bloody virus could snooker flights for months.

The voucher offer is not bad with the 10% bonus and the 5 year validity but a refund is always better.

It's a right pain to have a leftover amount on a voucher especially with an airline where an extra purchase is significant.

paddy19 · 03-04-2020 2:23pm

mjquinno wrote: »

I am having terrible time getting them to cancel. due to travel in may. they are saying all normal T&C apply after april 15. so cancellation is 600 euro (following ABSTA rules) I have only paid a deposit but am due to pay another installment tomorrow. i pushed out other payments as far as i could (april 27th) to see if ABSTA update their policies and loveholidays are forced to refund without cancellation fees.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak

They are following the above rules - i rang credit card company and they wont do a chargeback. as they company is compliant to governing body ABTA (UK)

if you look at the irish literature:

https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/71954/65b80dd6c15f40c4b5df337671048f24.pdf#page=1

I am entitled to full refund but i bought the holiday from an english company. Credit card company wouldnt follow up. i also heard that loveholidays arent offering refund only vouchers - which once i get to that point ill have to argue as well.

another variable is that they go bust - they are ATOL protected so money should come back. They aint making it easy and i look forward to there demise post Virus.

It looks like the ABTA says you are entitled to cash refund if you haven't used the voucher by 31 July 2020.

From https://www.abta.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak
3. If you are not able to amend your holiday to another date, your travel provider may offer you a Refund Credit Note instead of an immediate cash refund. This Refund Credit Note can be used to book another holiday at a later date and, in the meantime, it is protected by ABTA/ ATOL if your original booking had that protection, so you would be reimbursed if the travel company failed financially.

Further details on this option are below:

This protection will last initially until 31 July 2020, at which point, if you have not used the Refund Credit Note to book another holiday, you will be entitled to a cash refund.

acequion · 03-04-2020 9:41pm

My hotel in the Algarve inPortugal offered refund or credit. So far I'm opting for the credit as it's a lovely hotel that I would love to stay in at some future point. The credit is valid until the end of 2021 and it's a well established hotel that you'd imagine unlikely to go bust.

But should I opt for the refund? What would people do?

CoronaVirus

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