Refund Policy

1. Introduction

At SkyBridge Travels, we understand that travel plans can change unexpectedly. This Refund Policy outlines your rights and our obligations regarding cancellations, refunds, and chargebacks. Please read this policy carefully before making a booking.

This policy applies to all services provided by SkyBridge Travels, including flight bookings, holiday packages, corporate travel arrangements, and ancillary services.

2. Cooling-Off Period (UK Consumer Rights)

Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a statutory 14-day cooling-off period for most services booked online. However, this right does not apply to:

• Flight bookings that are confirmed immediately
• Accommodation bookings for specific dates
• Package holidays where performance begins within 14 days
• Services that are fully performed within the cooling-off period

3. Cancellation by Customer

If you need to cancel your booking, please contact us immediately. Cancellation fees vary by service provider and are determined based on:

• Time of cancellation relative to departure date
• Airline or supplier's specific cancellation policy
• Fare type (refundable vs non-refundable)
• Cabin class and booking conditions

Flight Cancellation Guidelines:

Deposits are generally non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.

4. Cancellation by Us or Suppliers

If an airline, hotel, or tour operator cancels your service, we will:

• Notify you as soon as we become aware of the cancellation
• Offer alternative arrangements where possible
• Process a full refund of monies paid for the cancelled service
• Assist with rebooking alternative options

5. Refund Processing Time

Once a refund is approved, please allow the following processing times:

• Airline tickets: 7-14 business days after airline processes refund
• Hotel bookings: 5-10 business days
• Package holidays: 14-21 business days
• Credit card refunds: 3-7 business days after processing
• Bank transfers: 5-10 business days

6. Non-Refundable Items

The following items are typically non-refundable:

• Booking deposits (unless otherwise specified)
• Economy class and promotional fares
• Non-refundable hotel rates
• Visa processing fees (once application is submitted)
• Travel insurance premiums
• Administrative and service fees
• No-show fees (failure to arrive for scheduled service)

7. Airline-Initiated Cancellations

When an airline cancels a flight, your rights under UK law (UK Civil Aviation Authority) include:

• Full refund of the unused ticket portion
• Re-routing to your destination at the earliest opportunity
• Re-routing at a later date convenient to you
• Right to care (meals, refreshments, accommodation if overnight stay required)
• Potential compensation under UK/EU Regulation 261/2004 (depending on circumstances)

8. Missed Flights / No-Show Policy

If you miss your flight or fail to show up:

• The ticket is generally considered forfeited with no refund
• Subsequent connecting flights may be automatically cancelled
• Return flights may also be cancelled by the airline
• Some airlines offer a "no-show" fee to reinstate the ticket (subject to availability)

We strongly recommend checking in online and arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights.

9. How to Request a Refund

To request a refund, please follow these steps:

1. Contact our customer support team via email at info@skybridgetravels.co.uk or call +44 20 3949 3592
2. Provide your booking reference number and the reason for cancellation
3. Submit any supporting documentation (medical certificates, etc.)
4. Allow up to 14 days for initial assessment and response
5. Refunds will be processed according to the applicable policies

10. Chargebacks and Payment Disputes

Before initiating a chargeback with your bank or card issuer:

• Please contact us first to resolve any issues directly
• Many disputes can be resolved without formal chargeback procedures
• If you initiate a chargeback while a refund is being processed, processing may be delayed
• We reserve the right to dispute unwarranted chargebacks with evidence of service delivery

11. Credit Vouchers

In some cases, airlines may offer credit vouchers instead of cash refunds. Terms for credit vouchers include:

• Valid for a specified period (typically 12-24 months)
• May have blackout dates or restrictions
• Usually non-transferable to other passengers
• Must be used for future travel with the same airline

We will clearly communicate the terms of any credit voucher offered before you accept it.

12. COVID-19 Related Cancellations

For travel affected by COVID-19 or other health emergencies:

• Airline policies take precedence over our standard policies
• Most airlines offer credit vouchers or rebooking options
• Cash refunds may not be available unless mandated by law
• Travel insurance is essential for pandemic-related coverage
• We will assist with all available options as permitted by suppliers

13. Travel Insurance - Strongly Recommended

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect your investment. A good travel insurance policy typically covers:

• Trip cancellation (including medical reasons, bereavement, jury duty)
• Medical emergencies and evacuation (international coverage)
• Baggage loss, theft, or damage
• Trip interruption or delay coverage
• 24/7 emergency assistance services
• COVID-19 related coverage (check policy terms)

14. Exceptions and Special Circumstances

Refund exceptions may apply in certain situations, including:

• Death or serious illness: Some airlines offer compassionate refunds (documentation required)
• Jury duty or court summons: May qualify for refund on certain fare types
• Military deployment: Special provisions may apply for active duty personnel
• Visa denial: Usually non-refundable, but some airlines offer credit vouchers

Each case is reviewed individually by the relevant supplier. Supporting documentation is required for all special circumstance requests.

15. Force Majeure

SkyBridge Travels is not liable for any failure or delay in performance, or for any cancellation or refund obligation, due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions)
• Pandemics, epidemics, and public health emergencies
• War, terrorism, civil unrest, and political instability
• Government travel bans and restrictions
• Strikes, labor disputes, and industrial actions
• Airspace closures and air traffic control disruptions