Ferry bookings .... Refunds ??

[92kk k100lt 193214]

The thing is the situation is unprecedented.

Its simply not possible financially across all the companies to do refunds much as all of us might like or as is perhaps our right at the moment. They don't have the cash flow and its not a reflection on their viability or strength. A company that does vouchers and credit notes is far more likely to be around in the future than a company that suddenly pays out 2 or 3 months peak business in cash refunds and ends up with no reserves. Fixed overheads don't go away, so they still have costs.

Perhaps there may be a change to this rule and the credit notes guaranteed. Makes a lot more sense now.

Wikipedia
Revenue
Increase €444.2 million (2018)
Total assets
€444.2 million (2018)

Yes. but those assets are not cash in a bank or cash at hand available to simply refund tickets. That sum typically is made up of ships [although they may be leased], port facilities or office buildings they may own, vehicles equipment furniture etc and quite possibly 'goodwill'. A wise business will offer credit notes and vouchers with a decent life so that the customer has a good opportunity to use them over a longer period and the company can still sell new tickets to generate revenues to stay in business. Its not going to happen across the board that everyone can get refunds, its just simply not possible. Sometimes the vouchers can be sold on too.

[Elmer J Fudd]

Where was this Emergency Legislation passed?

It would be odd if it was passed in the EU that it would apply to the UK as we have left the EU, therefore surely the credit card companies (if not the Ferry companies) would have to pay up?

And surely if it does not apply to UK, then UK registered ferry companies would have to pay up? or have we passed the same legislation (by stealth)?

Interesting times. I wonder what will happen to my flights in July. Easyjet have previously emailed to say that they will refund if cancelled, but now not so sure.

[Rust2000]

Ferries are not covered by the EU regulations for air travel for some reason but normal consumer laws that apply in each country. Brittany Ferries is governed by French consumer law, Eurotunnel by English law. One thing to check is that the terms and conditions don't contain unlawful clauses, which the companies quote to avoid their legal responsibilities. Be insistent, don't take their first answer, keep pressing them, do your research, check the legal position and quote it back to them to get a refund. Good luck!

[lmg]

Got the same boilerplate response this morning for my trip this month (not bike related - van and me and another worker).

I too have not heard anything about legislation excluding ferry companies from section 75 of the consumer credit act, and as such have lodged a dispute with my credit card company (Tesco Mastercard) for a refund. A credit note is of no use to me as I have no further reason to travel to Spain for the foreseeable future, thus I want my money back.

Currently, my CC company hasn't even acknowledged the dispute other than the automated email response. I shall keep kicking away at them as its roughly a grands worth of money I am down.

I shall keep an eye on this thread and drop any further relevant comms I get here.

Well, I've asked for a full refund stating that I won't be using it etc 3 times and I got this.

message
I'm sorry you're disappointed with the voucher.


These are unprecedented times and undoubtedly everyone is working hard to negotiate the many challenges the world faces in the coming weeks and months.


For our part, we employ 3,000 people, operate in a very seasonal market and trade in two of the industries most severely impacted by the global outbreak
leisure and travel.


The pandemic's impact on our business, people and customers is without parallel. We have to act now to secure our long-term future and the welfare of our teams, their families and the communities we serve. Clearly we also want to take you on holiday in the future, when the current crisis passes and normality returns.


We're confident we'll be able to do that, but need to adopt some considerable, exceptional changes to our business model in order to do so. Your refund voucher is one of those changes, acknowledged as necessary at this time by ABTA and other organisations. Emergency legislation permitting the same and encouraging customers to accept credit notes to try and lessen the considerable strain on all operators (and protect the vital services some of us provide), is being assessed.

We're working hard to navigate a viable, reasonable course through this economic storm that enables us to provide some form of refund, as much customer retention as possible and a safeguard to our customers, employees and communities of a brighter future when this cloud passes.


I'm sorry for the further disappointment this email will bring.


Kind Regards

[Monster]

Brittany Ferry website has been updated ... no sailing until May 15 now

This puts our trip officially off now as our sailing was May 1st

We shall see how the refund goes from my own experience

[smudger272]

Think I'll be going for full refund

[Peirre]

Think I'll be going for full refund

I suspect that you will not get a cash refund

[dibbs]

Think I'll be going for full refund

I suspect that you will not get a cash refund

Yes you will!!!!! go for it Smudge be brave and don't take no bullshit.....

[Monster]

A refund is my intention ... let's see

[Tramp]

I see the French cycling federation have announced the tour de France 2020 will now take place end of August 2020 not July...

So some good news as its a major touring event and huge crowds..

Bon velo Mon amie..