You’ve booked a package holiday, but you can’t go anymore. What are your rights and can you get a refund? Here’s our guide to your options.
Can I Get a Refund If I Cancel My Package Holiday?
Whether or not you can get a refund if you cancel your package holiday, or any partial refund or credit, depends on the terms you booked under, your reasons for cancelling and what travel insurance policy you have.
What is a package holiday?
A package holiday is when you book more than one part of your holiday through one company for one price. For example you book and pay for your flights and accommodation together.
Should I just go ahead and cancel my package holiday?
No! If you choose to cancel your holiday, there’s a chance you may lose all your money so before you do that – read on to see what your options are.
Reasons For Cancelling A Package Holiday
Find the scenario that applies to you to see what you’re entitled to.
1. I'm not well enough to travel
If you’re not well or have had an accident that means you’re not able to travel on your holiday, you may have some options.
- Speak to: Your travel insurer
Without insurance, your refund will depend on your cancellation terms. If you have no options there, it will be down to your holiday company offering a gesture of goodwill, though they don’t have a legal requirement to offer you anything.
2. Someone I’m travelling with is unwell
If a travel companion – say your partner or a child – can’t go due to illness, then check your insurance policy. Some policies may cover travel companies listed on the same policy.
- Speak to: Your travel insurer
3. There’s been a big change to the holiday
Let’s say something significant has changed – maybe your flight time has changed in a big way, your hotel has been downgraded or your destination has changed.
- Speak to: Your package holiday provider
Under the Package Travel Regulations, you may have the right to cancel for a full refund if the change is “significant”.
4. The Foreign Office advises against travel
If the UK foreign office updates its guidance for your destination, and advises against travel or all but essential travel, then many package holidays allow free cancellation or rebooking.
- Speak to: Your package holiday provider
Depending on the timing of this, you might also be able to claim on your insurance.
5. I can’t travel due to personal circumstances
Sometimes life gets in the way and might affect your holiday. Perhaps you’ve been made redundant, experienced a bereavement or been called for jury service. Some travel insurance policies do protect you against these unexpected things, so check the terms.
- Speak to: Your travel insurer
If it’s something else, perhaps your relationship has ended or there are some complex family or work issues, then some premium travel insurance policies do cover cancellations for any reason – so again check yours carefully.
If you aren’t covered, you can still try appealing to the goodwill of the holiday company – but they won’t be legally obligated to refund you.
6. I’ve changed my mind about the holiday
If you’ve simply changed your mind, there are no automatic refund rights under UK law.
- Speak to: Your package holiday provider
Cancellation charges will apply depending on how close you are to departure. Alternatively you might just lose whatever you’ve already paid, like your deposit, or you could be entitled to a partial refund.
Your Rights When Cancelling a Package Holiday
It’s a bit stressful if you need to cancel a holiday, but good news is there are regulations in the UK designed to protect you when things don’t go to plan.
If you’ve already paid for your trip, check the terms of the package you’ve booked and as well as your insurance policy to see if you’re covered.
And if you aren’t covered, it’s still worth speaking to your holiday provider – they might provide a goodwill gesture to help.
