Through CEOH Travel Club (Chevron Employees of Houston) I had paid $2610.00 in Sep 2001 towards the purchase of 2 tickets for
'Tour of Ireland'. The tour was to depart on Nov 5th of 2001. At the time of purchase, I asked the representative Ms. Amanda Martinez regarding coverage of Travel Insurance. She mentioned verbally that it was included in the ticket. She did not say anything about contacting anyone else regarding this. I believed her words.
On Oct 15, I met with an accident. I called Ms Martinez about my
inability to proceed with the trip. At this time, she tells me that I should call Mr. Ray Schutter @ West University Travels; phone 713 655 4767 about refund. When I called him he mentioned that they would refund only 25% or $2610 which is $625.50. I asked him about the travel insurance. He said it was not included in the amount. I said I was told It was included and also offered to pay any extra for travel insurance at this time if I can get full refund.
He said I could not buy at this time. I was never shown my ticket. So, I persume, the tickets were not even purchased at that time. However he mentioned that if he or I can find a replacement for this, he would refund the $2310 (less $300).
I have an e-mail from him on Oct 17 saying cancellation penalty at this time (Oct 17) is 75% or 978.75 per person. This will be reduced to $150 per person if a replacement is found by Oct 19.
On Oct 19, he calls me on the phone and says that he found a replacement party, however he would give only $300 over the $625.50 originally said; a total of 925.50 for ($2610). He even said that the party was with him at that time, and I could talk to them about selling my ticket. I did not agree to sell my $2610
for 925.50. I told him what his e-mail read. He did not agree.
Later, I found out from a colleague of mine who also went on this trip that on Oct 24th all the tour members had a gathering at Bennigan's restaurant. On Oct 24th, they were offered a choice to buy any additional trip insurance including cancellation insurance through American Express.in fact my colleague purchased the insurance on that day. I want to know why I was denied to purchase the insurance on Oct 16 and everyone else could buy on Oct 24. I would have paid for the insurance which was only about $150 and would have got my full refund instead of $625.50.
Again, when a replacement was found, I was still denied my money. I was ripped off of $2000.00 by this travel agent.
I would appreciate if you all could advice me on this and If I
could get my refund in anyway.
Thank you.
Geetha
Baytown, Texas
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