What can you do if your Transavia refund is taking forever?
You’ve requested a full refund due to a flight cancellation, and the waiting period has only extended. Perhaps you’ve received a message from Transavia explaining the delay, or maybe you haven’t received any communication. Although circumstances differ, it’s essential to know that EU law regulates refunds and stipulates that Transavia should process your refund within 7 days.
What course of action should you take if it’s taking longer?
Delayed Transavia Refund: A Comprehensive Guide
What are Transavia refund rules?
When an airline cancels a flight, it is obligated to issue a refund.
In the European Union, if Transavia cancels a flight, they must give you a choice between a full refund or a new flight. Understand that sometimes it’s only possible to get a refund, but other times — refund and flight cancellation compensation.
Step 1: Reach Out to Transavia
Get in touch with Transavia’s customer support via their website.
Unless there’s a significant unforeseen event, such as a global pandemic, you should receive a response within a week. If there’s no response within a week, send additional messages. Repeat this after a few days to ensure your issue gets attention.
Step 2: Reach Out to Transavia via Social Media
If Transavia isn’t responsive, resort to social media.
If emails or messages don’t elicit a response after several weeks, use Facebook and Twitter to get in touch with Transavia. Remind them of the 7-day rule. Refer to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Article 5 and 8.
Step 3: Reject Any Offers for Vouchers
Your refund should be credited to your bank account.
You’re not obligated to accept Transavia vouchers.
Step 4: Contact the National Enforcement Body (NEB)
Each EU member state has its own NEB.
Contact the NEB of the country from which your flight originates. If your flight starts from Germany, get in touch with the Nationale Beschwerde- und Durchsetzungsstelle Fluggastrechte. If the flight is from a non-EU country, contact the NEB of the destination country. You can locate the contact information of these organizations on this page.
You can find more information here.
The fourth option is the most effective, but it also requires the most time. Typically, it takes around 2 months for the relevant NEB to make a decision. Then, you have to wait for Transavia to process the payment. For the best outcome, keep reminding them about your case on Transavia’s social media pages and through other communication channels.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Transavia Refund: When Are You Entitled To It?
As per EU regulations, you are qualified for a full refund if Transavia cancels your flight.
In case of a flight cancellation, Transavia has to provide you with an option between re-routing (providing a new flight at no additional cost) or refunding the entire amount of your ticket (Transavia refund). Regardless of the reason for the cancellation, including so-called extraordinary circumstances, the refund for a flight cancellation has to be processed within seven days.
Any delay by the airline in refunding the amount is a breach of EU regulations, and passengers can consider exploring further measures.
What Happens if You Are the One to Cancel the Flight?
Are you entitled to a Transavia refund if you cancel your flight?
If you decide to cancel the flight, the refund process becomes a bit more complex. Here are some factors to consider:
- Flexible tickets. If you’ve bought a flexible ticket, you’ll likely be eligible for a refund, but always verify the airline’s terms and conditions.
- Non-refundable tickets. With non-refundable tickets, a full refund is generally not possible. Yet, airlines may offer to refund the taxes included in your ticket price.
- Travel insurance. If your travel insurance covers cancellations, you may be able to claim a refund from your insurance company, given that the cancellation reason is covered by your policy.
- Cancellation within 24 hours of booking: Some airlines provide a full refund if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, as long as the booking was made at least 7 days prior to departure.
- Unforeseen events: In cases of unforeseen events, such as illness or a death in the family, the airline may offer a refund or credit for future travel. However, this is subject to the airline’s specific policy.
Flight Cancellation due to Extraordinary Circumstances: Is a Refund Possible?
When faced with extraordinary circumstances like extreme weather, airport staff strikes (excluding airline staff strikes), or safety risks, airlines are commonly not accountable for the cancellation.
Still, as per EU regulations (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004), if an airline cancels a flight due to these circumstances, they are obliged to offer passengers the choice of either a full refund or alternative flight arrangements.
Essentially, regardless of the reason behind the cancellation, you remain eligible for a refund. Remember, the refund is expected to be processed within a seven-day timeframe. If the refund process extends beyond this period, be proactive and pursue the detailed action plan provided above.
What is your experience with Transavia refunds? Have you ever received a refund from Transavia? Share your experience in the comments!