Hello!
**Sorry if this does not really belong on this forum--I always (except this) book my own travel and am not just a leisure traveler with no knowledge of industry, but I didn't know of a better place to post this**
I purchased a trip through WorldStrides for a class trip for a family member to Italy in March and was wondering if travel agents are subject to any laws/regulations similar to those that apply to airlines (ex: refund after significant schedule change, etc.). I always book my own airfare, hotels, tours, etc. on my own (like most here I'd assume) since I find it fun, but in this case we were forced to use the travel agent WorldStrides. They have made the following changes to their itinerary:
-Change dates of departure/arrival by 2 days (I was told that there were "no flights" to Italy on our original dates--this is just factually incorrect)
-Change arrival airport from FLR to FCO (then bus to Florence I think)
Technically according to their T&C this is well within their rights (according to their T&C they can add or remove countries/cities at their sole discretion)
Changes or substitutions in hotels, itinerary, inclusions, or airports may be made depending
on your travel dates, arrival and departure times, national holidays, and events beyond WorldStrides’ control at the discretion of
WorldStrides as it deems necessary or desirable. Changes in itinerary, including reversing the itinerary, changes to the order in which
cities or countries are visited, the duration of the stay in each city, addition and omission of cities or countries may occur. On certain dates
some attractions or activities may be closed, and the availability of some venues advertised or communicated cannot be guaranteed.
Some venues may require special equipment. Venues may also close without prior notice due to public holidays, festivals and routine
maintenance. In these instances, no refunds can be given. Whenever possible,
suitable alternatives will be provided.
WorldStrides reserves the right to change the date of departure by no more than two days from the original departure date in spring (Oct-
Apr) and three days in the summer (May-Sept). These changes are not grounds for cancellation without penalty or for refunds after the tour.
These terms seem quite frankly ridiculous, but alas we agreed to them... I assume I'm SOL on getting a refund of any amount through them or Chase (paid with CSR in the United States), but I thought I'd make sure that there are no laws that would nullify their terms that anyone here knows of.
Thanks!!