V-Flyer

So had to cancel the ski trip to Banff in Feb next year. Was looking forward to flying on the new united explus service to YYC in first. Phoned up one of the 'outsourced'call centres and had to hold for fifteen minutes before I was told that my ticket was refundable (which I knew) and then was told would have to wait two months before the cheque would be generated. Having never really had to cancel personal travel came as bit of a shock that it would take so long, is this the norm?

Not sure of getting direct refund's with an airline, but my booking to Dubai next year through Trailfinders took the same amount of time to refund.

Thanks,

David.

I've often been told it can take up to 8/12 weeks for a refund.

My experience with VS (any cancellation has been done over the phone) has been about 4 weeks. Before UA outsourced their call centres, it was between 2-4 weeks, unless you cancelled in person at a ticket desk, in which case they did it straight away (usual 3 day banking cycle).

The best of all have been LH and CO, who both refunded within 10 days.

Cheers,
Mike

I cancelled some VS reward flights because of the baggage fiasco end of August,the taxes were refunded to my card in about 3 weeks,but only after VS charged the card an additional £75 cancellation fee, taxes and surcharges were then refunded in full.

Hi,

Yes this is the norm I am afraid, I work for a Business Travel Company, and anytime someone cancels a flight we advise 6-8 weeks for a refund, as it can take this long for the airline to get the money back to us, they are happy to take the money quick enough, but VERY slow in giving it back!! [V]

Quite a few months back VS had an awful backlog in getting refunds out, we were waiting nearly 5 months to get any money back!!!

Of course, it's a scam. They could do it there and then if they wanted to (after all they can take it very easily). However, just think how much money airlines make by banking money, days, weeks or many months ahead of when you avail yourself of the service. Then hold on to it when you cancel.

Of course airlines are not alone ... think concerts and theatres, hotel deposits ... I'm sure there are many more. This has always been a bugbear of mine but what can one do!

This is shocking! Ive had to cancel my trip to NYC (i was supposed to leave 2 hours ago! [:#]) and I cancelled the BA and BMI flights on their websites and had the refunds within 3 days!!