Booked this holiday two weeks ago and due to unforeseen circumstances now have to cancel. It was a direct debit instalment plan which is due to come out for the first instalment this Friday the 25th. I had a live chat with them today saying I wanted to cancel and they said I had to pay £400 to cancel as this was the deposit even though it was supposedly zero deposit upon booking. When I asked they said this was because the deposit was spread through the four months of the direct debit plan, but surely then this isn’t a deposit fee? Since I have paid nothing and I am no longer going on holiday why would I need to pay a security deposit on a holiday I won’t even be going on? And what will happen if I just go into my bank and cancel the direct debit from there? I really cannot afford this at the moment and I think it is outrageous to have to pay this amount of money to not even go on holidays! Also the holiday is 141 days away so I have certainly given them enough notice! Unsure what to do?? Any help please
Answers & Comments
Then ask if you can defer the holiday or change the date(s) to something that you *can* use.
And let the original Direct Debits go through. Or you could arrange a payment plan for their £400.
How much were there direct debits going to be for? Guessing at 200/ month if 400 is a 50% deposit?
once you book any holiday the wheels of organising it are set in motion (aircraft seat, hotel are arranged) and there is a cost in booking them
THAT costs money - YOUR money
You deciding not to go dont change the fact that the holiday company have paid out money so that you can have it
Next time read the fine print before signing.
You do not make it clear 'how' you booked this and it does make a difference, so if you booked online "The rights consumers have to cancel off-premises and distance contracts under the consumer contracts regulations within the 14 day cooling off period."...CAB is free for you to get advice from, take all your paperwork/contract details and ask them
If you gave them your cedit card number they have te right to withdraw the amount against your will. When u signed the contract u gave your permission
I BET the agreement you signed when you booked SPECIFICALLY stated the cancellation fee you are complaining about.