BY CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT
Stranded by a flight delay. Why won’t Holland America Refund my $3,952?
Illustration by Dustin Elliott
A family’s dream Alaska cruise collapses when a flight delay leaves them stranded. Holland America refuses to issue a refund despite having booked their flights. Can they get their $3,952 refunded?
Q: I booked an Alaska cruise through Holland America for my family. A Holland America agent urged us to buy our Alaska Airlines flights through the cruise line. We did not purchase travel insurance.
But when our flight was canceled because of a mechanical problem, the cruise line said we’d miss the ship and our only option was to cancel.
We lost $3,952. Holland America refunded only taxes after weeks of fighting. Holland America’s agent promised us support if the flight was delayed or canceled. We would like a refund of the remaining balance since the mishap was a direct result of what was within their responsibility, not ours. Can you help? — Michael Ramer, San Jose
