Are you finding that your TAROM refund is taking an excessive amount of time?
You have asked for a complete refund due to cancellation, and are now in a period of waiting. Perhaps you have received a communication from the airline offering some explanation, or perhaps you are still waiting to hear from them. Regardless of the specific circumstances, there is one thing you need to be aware of. In the EU, such matters are governed by rules. According to these regulations, your TAROM refund should be processed within 7 days.
What steps should you take if it’s taking longer?
TAROM Refund Is Taking a Long Time: A Step-By-Step Guide
When an airline cancels a flight, they are obligated to provide you with a refund.
For instance, according to the European Union regulations, if TAROM cancels a flight, they must provide an option between a full refund and an alternative flight. Do note that occasionally you might only be entitled to a refund, but other times — TAROM refund and flight cancellation compensation.
Step 1: Reach Out to TAROM
Reach out to TAROM customer service through their website.
Unless there’s a significant, unforeseen circumstance, like the onset of a global pandemic, they should get back to you in under a week. If you don’t get a response after a week, send additional messages. Repeat this process a few days later, if that’s what it takes to get their attention.
Step 2: Connect with TAROM via Social Media
If you don’t get a response from TAROM, resort to social media.
If, after several weeks of emails and WhatsApp messages, you still haven’t heard from them, use platforms like Facebook and Twitter to get in touch with TAROM. Remind them about the 7-day limit. Refer to the Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, Articles 5 and 8.
Step 3: Do Not Accept Vouchers
The TAROM refund should be deposited into your bank account.
You are not obligated to accept TAROM vouchers or coupons.
Step 4: Get in Touch with the National Enforcement Body (NEB)
Each member state of the EU has such an organisation.
Contact the NEB of the country your flight originates from. If your flight started in Germany, get in touch with the Nationale Beschwerde- und Durchsetzungsstelle Fluggastrechte. If your flight began outside the EU, contact the NEB of the destination country. You can find the contact information of these entities here on this page.
Find more about this here.
Indeed, it can be the most lengthy process. It typically takes around two months for the relevant NEB to reach a decision. Then you have to wait for TAROM to process the payment. For the best outcome, continue to contact TAROM’s social media pages and through other channels of communication.
When Are You Entitled to TAROM Refund?
As per European Union directives, you qualify for a complete refund if TAROM cancels your flight.
Should the cancellation of a flight occur, TAROM is legally bound to offer you a choice between an alternative in the form of a new flight at no additional cost and a complete refund of your ticket price. This holds true no matter what grounds for cancellation, even including extraordinary situations. Also it doesn’t matter if it’s a last-minute flight cancellation or not.
The TAROM refund for the cancelled flight should be processed within a week. Any postponement by the airline in refunding is against the EU directives, and passengers have the right to pursue further measures.
What If You Cancel the Flight Yourself?
The refund process becomes slightly more complex if you are the one who cancels the flight. Here’s what you need to know:
- Flexible tickets. If you’ve bought a flexible ticket, it is highly probable that you will receive a refund, but it is always wise to confirm with the airline’s terms and conditions.
- Non-refundable tickets. For non-refundable tickets, it is highly unlikely that you will receive a full refund. However, airlines may propose to refund the taxes that were included in your ticket price.
- Travel insurance. If you have a travel insurance policy that includes cancellations, you might be able to get a refund through your insurance provider, but this depends on the cancellation reason.
- Cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Certain airlines provide a full refund if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, provided the booking was made at least a week prior to the flight’s scheduled departure.
- Unforeseen circumstances. If you are forced to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, like illness or a loss in the family, the airline might provide a refund or a voucher for future travel; however, this is subject to the airline’s policies.
Flight Cancellation Due to Extraordinary Circumstances: Can You Get a Refund?
When exceptional events, such as severe stormy weather, labour strikes by airport personnel (excluding airline employees), or security threats result in the cancellation of a flight, the airlines are generally not considered liable.
Nonetheless, as per the EU regulations (Regulation (EC) No 261/2004), airlines are still obligated to present passengers with a choice between a complete ticket cost refund and an alternative flight route when a flight cancellation occurs. This implies that even if the flight cancellation is triggered by extraordinary circumstances, you still have a right to a refund.
It’s crucial to note that the refund must be processed within a week. If you experience any delays in obtaining your refund, it is advisable to adhere to the aforementioned step-by-step guide.
What is your experience with TAROM refunds? Have you ever received a refund from TAROM? Share your experience in the comments!