I have ancestors who are Jewish, and I wanted to know more about my heritage, so I signed up for Birthright Israel's free trip to Israel. They bought me a ticket, I paid a deposit.
I then paid $150 to have my trip extended. This money went to another travel organization that works directly with BA.
Then, while speaking on the phone with one of the organizers from BA, I mentioned my reasons for going on the trip. She emailed me afterwards to tell me I was not eligible for the trip, since I was not raised Jewish. I never misrepresented myself--I put everything on the application.
BA refunded my deposit and told me I would have to work out the other $150 with the travel company. But the travel company says they don't offer refunds under any circumstances.
In fact, their terms and conditions don't say that, but they do say the following:
"In the event, your group departure date and flight has been changed (by either you or your organization) AFTER you have already received an extension confirmation by [name of travel company]– your extension then becomes null & void and the extension fee paid will be forfeited. You will have to re-apply for a new extension and pay for the extension again. "
Do I have a case to be made in small claims court? And if so, with whom? Or do I need to kiss the 150 goodbye? That would suck, because I'm already bummed about not even being able to go.
2007-12-18 09:14:59 · 18 answers · asked by jacob decibel 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Sorry, BI, not BA. I need some sleep.
2007-12-18 09:19:45 · update #1
This is terrible. I would push on Birthright. They caused you to lose the money. Don't give up and maybe threaten to contact the Better Business Bureau.
2007-12-18 09:24:04 · answer #1 · answered by El Piripiripau 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Forfeit meant to give-up, unfortunately it would cost more to take it to small claims court than to fight to get back the $150.00
On the application is there a question that asks if you were raised Jewish? This should have been one of the questions stated on the questionairre or should have been stated prior to arranging the trip.
Is this a way for them to make $150.00. I would write a letter to the CEO or someone above the person you spoke to because how many other people have they done this to?
Something does not sound correct. You should also notify the Better Business Bureau of what happened, maybe the NAACP, or a news task group.
2007-12-18 09:23:16 · answer #2 · answered by dd 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You are eligable for a refund from BA for the 150 since they were the ones using the travel company as a 3rd party. So it is up to BA to collect the 150 back from the travel company and reimburse you the 150.
2007-12-18 09:18:54 · answer #3 · answered by Tommy G 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe they got to you for $150. You have got to get up early to deal with some folks. Stay on your toes when you are dealing with God`s chosen people. It will cost you more to file a claim and have papers served than you will ever be awarded by small claims court. Even if the court awards you the $150 you still have to collect it. That would be another expense for you. Forget it.
2007-12-18 09:32:27 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. Un-couth 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The fee might account for the reservation of your trip but since it was not push through it will become as a liquidated damage. Anyway, appeal your case to claim the said amount.
2007-12-18 09:20:26 · answer #5 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Join the club dude. Anyway you can recover your deposit if you just keep after the travel agency. Threaten to call the BBB better business bureau. Also call any help line like Chicago's "Whats your problem" they will poke around hoping to get you to forget it.
Don't let them get away with it cos they will continue to do business as usual and bilk others. Help yourself help others
Bottom line ...read the small print
2007-12-18 09:26:15 · answer #6 · answered by rixparx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You probably have a case to be made in a small claims court against the other travel organization for discrimination and they owe you a refund.
2007-12-18 09:19:59 · answer #7 · answered by xo_cuddly_kitten_xo 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Without seeing the ENTIRE terms and conditions of the other travel organization I can not give a complete answer, however most of them protect themselves so the money becomes theirs.
2007-12-18 09:19:44 · answer #8 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I think the question remains, is it worth a lot of trouble for small claims, filing, paperwork, etc. to get $150 out of these people?
I think you will spend a lot more of your time and money than that in the long run.
Just eat the costs.
2007-12-18 09:23:48 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It was up to you learn all of the terms before you booked your trip. See if they will apply the money to another trip to avoid a lawsuit.
2007-12-18 09:18:49 · answer #10 · answered by notyou311 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋