Arangrant Customer Service

With all the horror stories online about not getting refunds, not just from Arangrant Customer Service agents, but many different airlines, we thought we would discuss how to get refunds promptly if your flight is cancelled.

Suppose you look on review sites such as Trustpilot. In that case, you will notice the most common complaint about AranGrant Customer service is due to flight cancellations, Arangrant issuing incorrect ticket details, and lack of customer service after the travel tickets are issued. It seems they are very keen to contact you once you hand over your contact details, however, once you’ve handed over your money, you seem to struggle to contact them again.

Golden Rules in Purchasing Flight Tickets

Let’s discuss the most important rules you should adhere to when buying plane tickets. The rules remain very similar, but the advice would differ slightly depending on what part of the world you are in. We’re going to focus on the US and European flights in this article.

1. ALWAYS book direct with the airline. If you book your flight through a 3rd party and something happens with the flight, when you approach the airline they will direct you to the 3rd party who you booked your flight through. That’s normally where you problems start.
2. Always pay for your flights with a credit card. It might be useful to contact your credit card provider first and ask them what protection you have if the flight is cancelled, etc. They will then be able to give you all the info that is needed.

Refund Policies:

US Flights:

In the United States, flight refund policies may vary depending on the airline and the specific circumstances surrounding the cancellation. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you understand the rules for flight refunds in the US. Here are a few key points to consider:

Airline’s Responsibility:

If your flight is canceled by the airline for reasons within their control, such as maintenance issues or crew scheduling problems, they are typically responsible for providing you with compensation or a refund.

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Cancellations:

1. There are two types of flight cancellations. Voluntary cancellations occur when you, as the passenger, request to cancel your flight. In such cases, the refund policy depends on the fare type you purchased, as some fares may be non-refundable or have specific cancellation fees. Involuntary cancellations, on the other hand, are when the airline cancels your flight due to their own operational reasons.
2. Carrier’s Obligations: In the case of an involuntary cancellation, airlines are generally required to offer you the option of a refund, rebooking you on the next available flight, or re-routing you to your destination. The specific compensation or refund amount may depend on the airline’s policy.
3. Compensation for Involuntary Cancellations: If the airline cancels your flight and cannot provide an alternate flight that gets you to your destination within a reasonable timeframe, you may be entitled to compensation. The amount of compensation may depend on factors such as the length of the delay and the distance of the flight, and it is typically regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Travel Insurance:

If you purchased travel insurance, the coverage and terms of the policy will determine whether you are eligible for a refund in the event of flight cancellation. It’s important to review your insurance policy for specific details. We normally recommend purchasing travel insurance if you do not get coverage with your credit card provider. As mentioned earlier, it is worthwhile contacting your card issuer to determine what protection you have with cancelled flights, etc. Ask what is covered, and more importantly, what is NOT covered.

It’s crucial to note that individual airline policies may differ, so it’s recommended to review the terms and conditions specific to your ticket and contact the airline directly for the most accurate information regarding refunds in the event of flight cancellation.

European Flights:

In Europe, flight refund policies are governed by a set of regulations known as the European Union Regulation EC 261/2004. These rules apply to flights departing from an EU airport or flights arriving in the EU on an EU-based airline. Here are the key points regarding flight refunds in Europe if a flight is cancelled:

Airline’s Responsibility:

If your flight is canceled by the airline for reasons within their control, such as technical issues or crew scheduling problems, they are generally obligated to provide you with compensation, assistance, and the option of a refund.

Involuntary Cancellations:

In the case of an involuntary flight cancellation, where the airline is responsible, you have the right to choose between the following options:

• Reimbursement: You can opt for a full refund of the ticket cost, including any associated fees (such as checked baggage fees) within seven days.
• Rebooking: You can choose an alternative flight to your destination as soon as possible or at a later date that suits you, depending on seat availability.
• Rerouting: If the cancellation disrupts your travel plans significantly, you can request rerouting to your destination via an alternative airline.

This Regulation establishes, under the conditions specified herein, minimum rights for passengers when:

(a) they are denied boarding against their will;

(b) their flight is cancelled;

(c) their flight is delayed.

So even significantly delayed flights will qualify for compensation.

Compensation for Involuntary Cancellations:

In addition to the above options, if your flight is canceled less than 14 days before the scheduled departure, you may also be eligible for compensation under certain circumstances. The amount of compensation depends on the distance of the flight and the length of the delay caused by the cancellation. However, compensation may not be applicable if the airline can prove that the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control (e.g., severe weather conditions).

Communication and Assistance: