Holiday deposit and unable to go

[mike4scuba]

If you pay a deposit for a holiday and for one reason or another you cant go
Do you have to inform the travel company or once you go past the full payment date and dont pay is the holiday automatically cancel without further penalty

[Mexy02]

You really need to look in the holiday terms and conditions of the booking.

[TheHughesCrew]

Yes. Double check for sure as sometimes they take the balance automatically. Sorry your plans have had to change x

[mike4scuba]

Plans haven't changed but just wanted to know the procedure in case

[folkie]

If you have to cancel you should always tell them straight away, it might free up accommodation and flights for someone else so it's a courtesy really, but also they might take the money automatically if you don't.
Depending on the reason for cancellation there might even be some discretion to return your deposit, even it was originally non-refundable,but if you don't tell them you wouldn't stand a chance of getting anything back.

[bernard301]

When you pay for the holiday you accept the terms and conditions of sale. If you are unable to go and do not cancel the travel compnay are within their rights to pursue you for the full value of the services purchased and in many cases a no-show fee.

(I've just booked two marriott stays through bonvoy redemptions. one is non cancellable and the T's&c's state that their is a 35% charge of the equivalent room rate for no shows)

[LostGirl]

I had this exact situation last week sadly.

MY DH has been under investigation for prostate cancer and the balance was due right in the middle of it all, but prior to the formal diagnosis.

There were two companies involved and I cancelled just in the nick of time and only lost the deposits. Still not a small amount of money but better than paying the balance and caliming to get it back.

As it was a serious illness that caused cancellation we have submitted a claim and waiting to hear back, but if we lose it frankly we have bigger worries right now.

Check your paperwork and depending on why you are cancelling do it now.

[BobFish123]

Circumstances depend.

You aren't liable to pay the full cost at all, that's what deposits are there for. Its your choice to call and advised otherwise if they cant get hold of you they will just cancel your trip. Ive worked in travel for 10 years+ and have had many customer frustrate me with this situation.

Its nice to tell them though!

[tomdan]

What if you paid your deposit and then given a date to pay your balance only you cannot go don't you have to pay a larger % because you didn't let them know?

[ClaireNJ]

Lost Girl, Hope it will be all ok, sending love X