Asking for guidance on Bali volcanic ash disruption... Accommodation [Help]

Alfonso on 05/11/2015 - 10:55

Hi Ozbargain community

In summary, my flight has been cancelled due to the recent volcanic ash cloud covering Bali. The Bali airport has been closed and as such all flights to and from the airport have been delayed/cancelled.

I have booked prepaid accommodation which is likely going to be wasted as it is very unlikely that the volcanic ash will clear up during the time I have booked. This hotel fee loss is in the vicinity of 1k+.

I have travel insurance, that should for the most part cover me for this issue (after reading fine print and also discussing with insurance customer service personnel).

However, there are a series of caveats and exclusions that may cause me to not be covered by the travel insurance company. For example if the airline company provides me a flight to Bali on the last day of my 5 day prepaid booked holiday, they will only cover me for the 4 days rather than the 5 days. As this is deemed a 'change of plan' in the travel insurances eyes, regardless of the fact that flying to bali for one day is not really convenient or worthwhile. Hence I may be out of pocket, which being a ozbargainer, doesn't sit well with me!

Now my question is,

The accommodation was booked through ratestogo.com on a 'non-cancellable' hotel room, the room is for tomorrow. I was wondering if anybody has had experience with a third party booking agent providing a refund on these situations where we have no control over. On good grace or 'we feel sorry for you and value you as a customer 'grounds.

I'm planning on giving ratestogo a call soon to talk it through but thought I'd get the lovely ozbargain community's advice first.

Thanks in advance, appreciate it!

(it has been very frustrating for all of us involved)

Travel

Comments

  • RockyRaccoon on 05/11/2015 - 11:53

    Btw which Travel insurance company is this, it might be of interest to others

    As for getting a trip with only 1 day given that there are so many being delayed that would be unlikely.

    I am stuck in Bali now my flight was cancelled on Tuesday and the earliest I could get was Monday next week.

    I was late in making the rebooking, and while on line I was offere Friday this week, by the time I clicked yes, it was no longer available, hence now flying Monday.

    The way Jetstar works is you are given a number of alternatives, and if you delay accepting then this will go further out. With already 3 days of cancelled flights I doubt if they will clear the backlog in 5 days

    Hope this helps

  • eatwell365 on 05/11/2015 - 11:59
    +2

    Did you prepay your accom in full with credit card？ if gold or above, may have purchase insurance/ cover- may be worthwhile to call card issuer.

  • Alfonso on 05/11/2015 - 12:05

    Rocky Raccoon, that's unfortunate. As for going on the trip, I don't really mind not going. I am more worried about the refund on my accommodation, which is unlikely.

    Eatwell, thanks for the heads up but I booked on the 28degrees CC. I will give them a call to see. Thanks

    • RockyRaccoon on 05/11/2015 - 14:21

      Not sure if I made myself clear, I think the chances of going for only 1 day will be slim so if I were you I wouldn't be too worried the whole airport is shut down until 8:45 tomorrow and that's for All airlines. Aussie airlines will be more cautious as turning around a 5 hour flight is more complicated than a 1 hour flight from Asia

      With so much demand for seats from those who want to go, you will find it's unlikely the airline will be able to offer you a new flight on the last day of your booking. It will probably be for a week or two later

  • Alfonso on 05/11/2015 - 12:13

    Nope no deal on 28degrees :(

    • xyron on 05/11/2015 - 15:01

      28 degrees is a "platinum" card these days (GE Money automatically moved everyone over a little while ago).

    • eatwell365 on 05/11/2015 - 20:42

      Q: Explain shopper's protection?
      A: Shopper’s Protection insurance premiums are calculated each month at 0.5% of the monthly closing account balance of your 28 Degrees MasterCard. (For example, if your closing balance is $2,000, your Shopper’s Protection insurance premium for that month will be $10.) If you pay any outstanding balance a couple of days prior to your normal statement date, you can completely avoid paying a premium, while still retaining all the benefits. To activate the insurance product, if you didn't select it during application, give them a call.
      Some advantages include:
      * 6 months of shoppers protection against loss, theft or accidental damage.
      * 6 months of price protection. See it on sale at the same retailer (anywhere in Australia) for less than you paid for it, get some proof (catalogue, photo, PDF of website) and submit a claim online. Normally within 3 working days the different in price is credited to your account.
      * Illness, injury and involuntary unemployment protection.
      * $200 credited to your card if it gets stolen, because they know it's a pain having to replace all your cards.
      You can cancel Shoppers Protection at any time just by ringing GE Money's credit card centre on 1800 800 230, however be aware that if you cancel the insurance, you are NOT able to reinstate it on the card in the future (as per advice from GE call centre June 2015).

      link.
      No deal?

      • RockyRaccoon on 06/11/2015 - 12:26
        +2

        No deal unless as you point out above

        To activate the insurance product, if you didn't select it during application, give them a call.

        I doubt if they would activate retrospectively for the OP

        Plus you have to settle your account before receiving a statement otherwise you pay a percentage.

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