People across the country, including here in North Texas, will get more money back after a prominent tour company canceled spring break vacations over COVID-19 concerns.
Dozens of families, like the Dentons from Frisco, contacted NBC 5 Responds after EF Tours canceled their spring break vacations and then refused to give them full refunds even if they had trip insurance.
“We need our money now. I don’t think it’s fair to hold our money,” said Melinda Denton, who purchased three tickets from the company.
Denton told NBC 5 Responds the company gave her family three options after their trip was canceled in April:
- Travel vouchers for the full value of the trip that would be good through September 2022.
- The ability to transfer the vouchers to another family or student.
- A refund minus a cancelation fee of $750 per ticket.
“I stressed that I did not cancel the trip, that they canceled the trip. So I didn't feel like I should bear the weight of any fees,” said Denton.
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced Thursday her office has reached a settlement with EF tours that resulted in more than $1.4 million in additional refunds for nearly 4,200 consumers in that state where the company is based.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
"Families shouldn't have to worry about getting their money back for canceled trips during a pandemic," said Healey in a news release.
A spokesperson for EF Tours told NBC 5 Responds, “the policy amendments which were announced in Massachusetts earlier today will be rolled out nationwide tomorrow.”
The Dentons still won’t see a full refund, but instead of losing $2,250 for their three tickets, they’ll be out closer to $1,350. Eligible consumers have until Sept. 30, 2022 to request their refunds from EF Tours.
New Refund Breakdown
EF Explore America: (Customer COVID-19 Microsite)
- Prior to May 15 (travel via flights): Cash refund option equal to all monies paid to EF less $450 (was $750)
- May 15 and beyond (travel via flights): Cash refund option equal to all monies paid to EF less $350
- March 1 and beyond (travel via bus): Cash refund option equal to all monies paid to EF less $150 (was $250)
EF Educational Tours: (Customer COVID-19 Microsite)
- Prior to May 15: Cash refund option equal to all monies paid to EF, less $565 (was $1,000)
- May 15 and beyond: Cash refund option equal to all monies paid to EF, less $500
NBC 5 Responds is committed to researching your concerns and recovering your money. Our goal is to get you answers and, if possible, solutions and a resolution. Call us at 844-5RESPND (844-573-7763) or fill out our customer complaint form.
Get top local stories in DFW delivered to you every morning. Sign up for NBC DFW's News Headlines newsletter.
