Consumer champion Which? is warning people not to fall for the 'low and no deposit' trap that ties you into paying much more than you expect
Holidaymakers have been warned that low-deposit holiday bookings could see them having to pay thousands of pounds if they don't read the rules. Consumer experts Which? found that in some cases, holiday companies fail to make it clear that people could be forced to pay thousands of pounds if they need to cancel after booking.
Ms Simons told Which? that as she hadn’t been abroad for 13 years, she opted to go into a Tui store to get specialist advice. She said the Tui agent handed her ‘a laminated piece of card with T&Cs on’, but it was not verbally explained at the time of booking that she’d be liable to pay a larger amount if she opted to cancel later on.
When looking at a week-long package holiday for two people with loveholidays to the Oberoi Beach Resort in the UAE for August 2024, Which? researchers were offered a ‘low deposit’ of just £29 per person for the £3,490 holiday. On The Beach requested £30 per guest to secure a booking at HSM Canarios Hotel, Majorca. During the booking process On The Beach signposts that cancellation charges may apply, and hyperlinks to Ts&Cs - but Which? says the terms of the low deposit could be made clearer upfront. As with loveholidays, future charges are described as ‘instalments’, rather than clearly emphasising that the next two payments contribute to a non-refundable deposit - which could also be confusing for consumers.
Naomi Leach, Deputy Editor of Which? Travel, said: “As the cost of living crisis continues to stretch household budgets to the limit, ‘low’ and ‘no’ deposit holiday schemes can be an enticing option, allowing consumers to spread the cost of their holiday over a longer payment period.
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