Law firm Bott and Co, pioneers for passenger rights, have created an online tool to help people struggling to get refunds on flights and holidays cancelled due to Covid-19.
The firm has been hearing from many people who are being given the run around when it comes to getting their money back. Those who’ve given up hope of getting any sort of refund or at least anytime soon can now use Bott and Co as a last resort.
Countless people are being denied refunds, offered vouchers, given false hope of a cash back guarantee and hearing nothing at all. Continuing its commitment to stand up for consumer rights, Bott and Co want to challenge these companies and ensure they are adhering to their legal requirements.
Airline regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), is set to review the mishandling of refunds, a move welcomed by Bott and Co, who believes denying or delaying refunds is unfair.
Carriers are preparing to resume flights and tour operators are working with resorts to welcome holidaymakers back as early as mid-June, but matters have become more problematic for some.
A lot of people still have health and safety concerns or cannot travel at a later date and their money is being hoarded away as interest-free loans.
Coby Benson, Solicitor at Bott and Co said: “We do have immense sympathy for these companies given the current circumstances but keeping hold of people’s money is unjust and unlawful.
The lines have been blurred and confusion around consumer rights has been created largely by the excuses and inaccuracies of airlines and holiday companies towards those trying to claim refunds.
In an era of financial uncertainty, keeping people’s funds holed up in a bank account which is not their own is creating problems at an already stressful time. That’s why we have created the refund tool, we have the expertise to hold these companies to task.”
Various well-known airlines and holiday companies are only offering vouchers instead of cash, despite the law specifying otherwise.
Specified by EC Regulation 261/2004, a flight passenger is entitled to a monetary refund within seven days if an airline cancels a flight, or a free replacement flight at a later date, subject to availability of seats.
Under the Package Travel Regulations (2018), those that have booked a package holiday which won’t be taking place and has been terminated by the provider have the right to a full refund on any monies previously paid. Would-be holidaymakers should not be expected to make any further payments towards the holiday and also have the option to change it to a later date.
Both airlines and tour operators are able to offer vouchers, but by law this is not the only option available to consumers. It is important to note that these obligations only come into effect if the tour operator or airline cancels. Travellers asking to cancel could potentially incur heavy cancellation charges.
Benson continues: “Up until now, people could report their refund issues to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) providers, but their services can only do so much and in the case of the CAA, often refer people back to their provider with advice to hand.
Frustrated holidaymakers facing a potentially lengthy wait now have a chance to reclaim their money without any hassle. By filling in a simple online form, Bott and Co will get straight to work so you can stop chasing and focus on other things.
People should consider whether they need the money now and if so, then they should not hesitate to claim using our help. However for those that don’t need the money now and believe that there’s little risk of losing the money in the future, e.g. if the airline or holiday provider goes into administration, then they should consider waiting, in order to alleviate the financial burden on these travel companies.”
If you’ve had a flight or holiday cancelled as a result of Covid-19 and are at your wits end with struggling to get a refund, complete the simple form for a quicker and successful outcome.
Bott and Co work on a no win no fee basis and guarantee that we’ll never charge more than our fixed fee of 25% of your final refund amount.
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