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CASH BACK

Tui customers can now apply for cash refunds for cancelled holidays as airline apologies for delays

HUNDREDS of thousands of Tui customers can now apply for cash refunds for cancelled holidays.

The airline apologised to customers for not processing refunds quick enough after it was forced to cancel 900,000 holidays due to coronavirus.

TUI airport transfer coach at Palma Airport Majorca
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TUI airport transfer coach at Palma Airport MajorcaCredit: Alamy

Frustrated customers have been unable to contact Tui's customer service staff in order to get a refund or make amendments to their holiday plans, with many being offered vouchers instead.

While thousands of customers were also asked to keep paying for holidays that may be cancelled or face losing hundreds of pounds worth of deposits.

But Tui has now created a page on its website for customers who have cancelled holidays booked before June 11 to claim a cash refund automatically.

They can also choose to rebook with a 20 per cent discount or take a "credit" option to book at a later date.

While those who have holidays booked until August 31 are able to make changes free of charge until June 30.

Tui boss Andrew Flintham said: “We know we haven’t got it right; we’re doing everything we can to make things better and we’re sorry for the frustration felt by our customers.

"Taking people on incredible holidays is what we do best, but we’ve struggled to get the right systems in place to support our customers now that we can’t take them on holiday, especially at the speed of change we’ve faced in recent weeks."

Travel: What are your rights to a refund?

MILLIONS of Brits have had holiday plans cancelled.

Firstly, speak to your airline or holiday firm about a refund or rearranging your plans.

You are entitled to a refund if they've cancelled your holiday but many have large delays or may offer vouchers instead.

As the FCO is advising against all but essential international travel, you may also be covered by your travel insurance if TUI is not helping you.

Keep in mind the travel insurance must have been taken out before the FCO advice changed, otherwise you won't be covered.

If you don't have travel insurance, you may be able to claim your money back through your credit or debit card provider.

Credit card payments between £100 and £30,000 are covered under Section 75 of the Consumer Rights Act.

To start a claim, you need to contact your credit card provider directly - Which? has a free tool that can help you do this.

“We recognise the situation around travel this summer remains unclear and there’s still a lot of uncertainty around when we will all be able to travel again, and some customers may not wish to pay a final balance with so many unknowns."

“We’d like to sincerely apologise to our customers impacted by delays to refunds and the length of time it’s taken.

"We really look forward to taking people on holiday again as soon as we’re able to do."

Tui has cancelled holidays up until June 11, with cruises put on hold until at least July.

Although, the travel firm hopes to restart this summer - despite MPs claiming a trip abroad is unlikely.

The boss of Visit Britain today claimed that Brits should be given cash to spend their holidays in the UK this summer.

Travellers face 14 day quarantine checks and £1,000 fines when they return from abroad.

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