'Such a rip off': Booker beware as travellers stung by Covid-19 cancellation fees - Property News AU/NZ | propertynoise.co.nz & propertynoise.com.au

PHOTO: Waiheke Island. Photo: 123rf

Holidaymakers are warning bookers beware as they’re stung by cancellation fees from rentals booked during lockdown.

Waikato resident Eloise, who didn’t want her last name used, lost more than $800 to an Airbnb rental she couldn’t stay in – because the country went into lockdown.

She told RNZ she and a friend paid $880 to book a Queenstown rental through Airbnb from 19 – 22 August.

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They booked it back in February, and when the country went into level 4 – two days before they were to go on holiday, she got in touch, asking to transfer the booking to another date.

But the property manager told them the owner wouldn’t rebook the rental – or give them a refund.

“She kept referring to a strict cancellation policy, saying there was no refund if we cancelled within seven days, but we weren’t cancelling, we just wanted to postpone it to another weekend.

“It was a lockdown, they weren’t even willing to negotiate with us.”

She said they were told the owner wasn’t prepared to rebook their stay, as their booking had already “held the calendar” – despite a level 4 lockdown coming into effect.

They were told they were only eligible to have their booking service fee refunded – just $40.

“Not being able to travel overseas, you get so excited for these parts of New Zealand you haven’t seen,” Eloise said.

“We hadn’t been to Queenstown before, we were so excited.

“It’s just put a bad taste in our mouths.”