FORUMula1.com - F1 Forum

[nac1987]

Hello gang, I'm new here. Perhaps I'm guilty of being forced into joing this forum, I need your help.

So, before Christmas I thought I'd treat myself to a nice holiday in the Gulf states. What a silly idea that was. My plan is/was to fly to Egypt on March 6th, then Bahrain for the race weekend, then home (England). Well that's a bummer 'cause it's all going coo-coo-bananas out there at the moment as you all well-know.

I was just hoping there's someone out in my situation (or something similar), and there's someone to moan with me? What are you gonna do now?

If there's no-one here, maybe you can point me to someone/somewhere else where I could chat with other pennyless, annoyed and a little frightened people?

Thanks chaps!

[Hammer278]

I'm pretty sure they'd refund your ticket money if the race is indeed cancelled?

In terms of the holiday plans...yeah its a bummer but hey, save the money for another race/trip in the future! Go for a race which is more worthwhile..like the Australian or Malaysian.

[nac1987]

I'm just moaning here, as I said I needed to, but because I booked the whole trip (ticket included) through a travel agent they're reluctant to give me any money back at all. I'm quite young and this is honestly the biggest wad of cash I've ever had to part with. Emotional nightmare!

[texasmr2]

It has not been cancelled yet so don't fret but if it is call your attorney and have them contact the agency UNLESS the agency has a no refund policy, read your paperwork.

[racechick]

I really feel for you. Can you not claim on travel insurance?(I know they try to wriggle out of most things) Did you pay on credit card? Does that offer any insurance?

[nac1987]

The travel insurance is void in the case of "...rebellion, civil war, unrest etc..."
I paid on my card. I'm not sure what protection that offers me. Nice idea, I'll look into that, cheers.

[Gaz]

The travel insurance is void in the case of "...rebellion, civil war, unrest etc..."
I paid on my card. I'm not sure what protection that offers me. Nice idea, I'll look into that, cheers.

Have you tried

http://www.abta.com/home or perhaps http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=27

[RascasseRebel]

Hey there nac 1987 - your travel insurance should certainly cover you as there is now a Government advisory against all but essential travel to Bahrain. You booked before this came in to effect (obviously). You would not be covered if you were still to travel aganst this advice and something happened whilst you are there. Check out the Foreign & Commonwealth Office site - http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-liv ... 53.tomcat1

Doesn't make up for missing the trip and the race, but you should be able to get your cash back.

All the best!
RR

[TacoMac]

If the race is cancelled, you sue whoever cancels the race. In the end, they are the party responsible. To wit: If the FIA cancels the race, then the promoter can not say that the race was cancelled due to unrest, civil war, etc because that is not what prevented the race from taking place. In order for the unrest to be the cause, they (the rebels, protesters or royal family) would have to seize the track and physically prevent the race from taking place. Just because the FIA "THINKS" that it could be a problem does not mean (legally) that there "IS" a problem.

An example: You pay for a cookout taking place at my house. It gets cloudy outside, so, in FEAR of rain, I cancel the cookout but refuse to give your money back because I listed "inclement weather" as a non-refundable exception. Then it doesn't rain. Well, guess what? I had no reason to cancel the cookout, so I therefore must refund your money because the cookout didn't happen because I cancelled it without cause.

That means you'll get your money back UNLESS the track facilities and/or airports are seized and Formula 1 is physically prevented from racing. If that doesn't happen, they have no reason to cancel the race. End of story.

[texasmr2]

Hey there nac 1987 - your travel insurance should certainly cover you as there is now a Government advisory against all but essential travel to Bahrain. You booked before this came in to effect (obviously). You would not be covered if you were still to travel aganst this advice and something happened whilst you are there. Check out the Foreign & Commonwealth Office site - http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-liv ... 53.tomcat1

Doesn't make up for missing the trip and the race, but you should be able to get your cash back.

All the best!
RR

Great info .

[muddybum]

All,
Latest news is that the Bahrain Gran Prix has officially been cancelled/Postponed. Really sorry for those with tickets but I think it was the right decision.

Cheers
Simon