How do I proceed if my travel booking has been canceled but no refund has been issued?
August 6, 2022 | 55,00 EUR | answered by Simon Büchner
Dear lawyer,
My name is Paul Ehrenbreit and I have a problem with a cancelled travel booking for which I have not yet received a refund. Last month, I booked a trip through an online travel portal that was cancelled due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. After requesting the cancellation of the booking, I was informed that no refund was possible and that only a voucher for a future booking was offered to me.
This situation is causing me great concern as I urgently need the travel expenses and am not willing to accept a voucher that I may never be able to redeem. I feel at a disadvantage as I am suffering financial losses due to the cancellation of the trip and the lack of refund, for which I am not responsible.
My question to you as a lawyer is therefore: What is the best way to proceed in order to receive a refund for my cancelled travel booking? Are there legal steps I can take to get my money back? What options are available to me to successfully pursue my claim?
I thank you in advance for your support and advice in this matter.
Sincerely,
Paul Ehrenbreit
Dear Mr. Ehrenbreit,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your canceled travel booking and the missing refund. The current situation related to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to many travel cancellations, and consumers like you are often unsure about the best course of action to get their money back.
First and foremost, it is important to know that consumers do have rights in such cases and should not simply be referred to a voucher if they prefer a refund. If a trip has been canceled due to the current situation, there is usually a case of force majeure, which obligates the organizer to refund the costs.
In your case, I recommend that you first contact the online travel portal and politely but firmly reiterate your demand for a refund. If the company continues to insist on a voucher, you may consider taking legal action.
One option would be to hire a lawyer to represent your interests against the travel portal. A lawyer can assess whether you have claims for a refund in your case and, if necessary, file a lawsuit against the company.
Additionally, you can contact consumer protection organizations that can assist you in enforcing your claims. The arbitration board for public transport can also mediate in disputes between consumers and companies.
Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of being patient and not being discouraged by rejections or voucher offers. With professional help and the necessary assertiveness, you can successfully defend your rights as a consumer.
I hope that my response is helpful to you and wish you success in enforcing your claims.
Sincerely,
Simon Büchner
Civil Law Attorney
