Some 18 months ago I booked the flight for my annual jaunt to Majorca completely unaware of the trials and tribulations that would prevent the trip from ever getting off the ground.
I’m not blaming anyone but myself. However, a combination of multiple bookings, changing dates, Covid curbs and travel bans has meant I am finally set to board my Ryanair jet to Palma de Mallorca this August – fingers crossed.
The bid for a refund has been more exhausting than any flight or holiday could ever be.
Every festive season I log on to the various airline websites to get the best possible travel deals. It was no different in December 2019 as I secured my seat for the long-awaited trip for March 2020.
The trail of refunds, vouchers and cheques in the post would puzzle some of the world’s best forensic accountants – and I still haven’t visited my favourite resort or been fully recompensed.
READ MORE:These are your rights to a refund from major airlines
Like everyone else, my travel plans were thrown into disarray when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the first coronavirus lockdown on March 16, 2020 – just days before my flight was set to depart.
Taking him at his word that the restrictions would last a matter of weeks to “flatten the curve,” I rebooked my Ryanair flight for May without any issue.
However, within days it became obvious that that longed for break was doomed and this this is when things got complicated.
The airline offered a cash refund or voucher as Covid travel restrictions travel showed no signs of easing, so I applied for a credit note in lieu of the booking.
But, lo and behold, the UK Government suddenly lifted restrictions for travel to the Balearic Islands in July 2020 as it established a travel corridor. Still waiting for the flight voucher, I followed travel industry advice and purchased a package holiday containing accommodation a flights from Jet2.
My hopes…