Should you be refunded for a ticket somewhere if you have to isolate?

[softplay999]

I have got tickets to take my daughter and her friend to the zoo. Her friend is now isolating after being in contact with someone with the virus. The zoo has said no refunds. (I sent them the isolation email) Is this fair?

This was reported on The One Show this week, in particular theme parks. Basically people cannot even get through to anyone to ask if they can transfer to another date.

I have noticed a lot of no refunds policies being highlighted lately.

Whether companies have always had these policies and they used to be hidden in the terms and conditions or if it’s a new policy because of covid I don’t really know.

However, more and more places are making it clear that refunds will not be issued even if you have to isolate.

I suppose businesses run the risk of having to fork out loads of money if they refunded everyone that had to isolate in the event of a massive outbreak somewhere.

Since businesses have lost a lot of income they probably can’t financially take the risk.

It’s just a rubbish situation all round.

Are you able to take someone else?

I think it seems fair, I wouldn't expect a refund in that situation. I might try and move my dates though, would they not allow that either?

YABU to expect a refund.

YANBU to expect to be allowed to change the dates of the tickets.

It's a difficult one, as businesses can't usually sell those tickets last minute and recoup the loss.

OTOH, those that are, are more likely to get people to book with them. So a couple of things we've been to recently are refunding if you have to isolate, and that means more people confidently book with them, than others that mean you are risking your money.

It's a supply and demand thing I guess.
Disappointing when you miss out, but if / once the businesses have gone bust none of us would be able to go, so I can see why they don't / can't.

@toolazytothinkofausername

YABU to expect a refund.

YANBU to expect to be allowed to change the dates of the tickets.

Agreed. This seems fair to both parties

I think it depends when the tickets are for. If in the next day or two, no - they are unlikely to be able to sell the spaces on. If next week, possibly more reasonable to expect to be able to change the date.

It is a worry though. I have booked tickets for a water park for DD2's BD. If we have to isolate it's £150 gone.

I think no refunds is fair but I think they should offer to move to a different date.

I think no refunds, but option to move tickets to a different date as long as its not in the 24 hours before the ticket date is fair.

If its less than 24 hours before the ticket date/time then its not enough notice, whatever the reason.

God know, I’d expect you to take someone else. It is not like you can’t go. Give businesses a break wherever you can, even moving the space is a space they can’t sell on another day. Zoo’s are on their knees.

The problem is that if people are going to lose money by wasting tickets, they’re more likely to ignore the request to isolate and just go anyway.

@PigeonPink

The problem is that if people are going to lose money by wasting tickets, they’re more likely to ignore the request to isolate and just go anyway.

I think if people are of that mentality they will do that anyway tbh

@toolazytothinkofausername

YABU to expect a refund.

YANBU to expect to be allowed to change the dates of the tickets.

This.

I was supposed to be going to London today but my friend is isolating. She emailed and we were able to change our tickets without an issue.

Surely it's the sensible thing to go, otherwise people will still go even if they are supposed to be isolating or don't feel well.

@toolazytothinkofausername

YABU to expect a refund.

YANBU to expect to be allowed to change the dates of the tickets.

Yes I agree with this

Ok thanks everyone. I agree, I will ask to change the date.

Well, we were diagnosed a couple of weeks ago and we’re booked for Alnwick Gardens and an English Heritage property in the north east. Our holiday was shorter than our isolation period so no chance of rebooking. Both refunded with no fuss, didn’t even ask to see the PCR test confirmation. So good for them!

Legoland were happy for us to move our dates due to isolating/positive case, they never asked for proof from T&T. It was a bit of a hassle getting through to them. No phone lines working, just a message. I had to fill in an online request form (which no one responded to) but I managed to find an online support chat on their website where I was able to chat with someone and get our date changed.

Thing is if companies don't change dates/refund two things could happen. 1) people will go anyway and it will spread to employees and guests 2) they run the risk of losing future revenue.

No refunds is a live event standard but a reschedule is a reasonable expectation. I think most places have this in their terms and conditions now to avoid losing money and I don't blame them. Especially when people still have that ridiculous app!