Topdeck booking tours without traveller consent, CHOICE advice on interstate holiday bookings

A popular youth travel company is accused of booking holidays without consent, as snap border closures scare Australians planning a getaway.

A popular youth travel company has been accused of shafting young Australians after booking overseas trips without their consent.

Topdeck, one of the biggest global tour companies for under 39s, issued travellers with credit vouchers to be used before December 2021 following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw borders shut and indefinite travel restrictions introduced around the world.

Now, countless Australians have now learned the company has been using the vouchers to book them onto tours without their permission and on dates they may be unable to travel.

“Having to postpone your 2020 Topdeck trip-of-a-lifetime totally sucked. We know the feels … Lucky for you, we’ve sorted all the pesky logistics and have saved you a seat on the next available trip … Get excited as you’ll be revelling the Road Trip USA trip in September 2021,” Topdeck reportedly told one customer.

Aussies have been booked onto tours without their knowledge. Picture: iStock

“Now that I’ve booked your 2021 trip, you can kick back and relax – we don’t need full payment until 60 days before your departure.”

A legal company assisting Topdeck customers called the move “alarming and unscrupulous,” according to the Guardian Australia.

Topdeck says customers are able to amend any tentative bookings and are issuing refunds upon request.

HOW TO TRAVEL IN AUSTRALIA

With international travel a write-off in the near future, Australians are keen to explore their own backyard.

In the COVID era however the possibility of snap border closures are making keen travellers think twice.

But there are things you can do to travel with confidence in 2021 as advised by consumer group CHOICE director of campaigns Erin Turner:

Check the terms and conditions

“Before you book any accommodation, flights, or activities, you should check the terms and conditions that come along with it. This way you’ll be able to find out what you’re entitled to in the event that you aren’t able to go ahead with your trip. Policies can really vary from provider to provider, so it’s important to take the time to do this. If you can view a copy of the terms and conditions on a computer, search for phrases such as cancellation policy or refund policy to make things a bit easier.”

Travellers from Sydney have their permits checked in the Qantas terminal at Melbourne Airport. Picture: Ian Currie

Get everything in writing

“When you book something like a flight or accommodation, take the time to make a copy of what the terms and conditions are at the time of your booking. One of the easiest ways to do this is to take a screenshot of the relevant section of a policy, or making sure you keep the email containing details of a provider’s cancellation policy. Terms and conditions can change quickly, so it’s good to have proof of what they were at the time of your booking.”

“Sometimes smaller providers like caravan parks or bed and breakfasts might not have their cancellation policy readily available online for you to view. If this is the case, send them an email and ask them what their cancellation policy is, so you have it in writing if you need it down the track. If you book anything over the phone ask for confirmation in writing.”

Don’t get ripped off by booking sites or agents

“Think carefully before booking through booking sites or agents, rather than directly through a provider like an airline. Do your own research and comparison to avoid getting ripped off. Travel agents or travel comparison websites can make it more difficult to resolve any issues that might arise if you need to cancel or change your travel plans and may even charge huge cancellation fees on top. If something goes wrong, you’ll need to be across their terms and conditions, as well as the terms and conditions of the airline or accommodation provider, which can quickly become confusing.”

Qantas planes on the tarmac at Sydney Domestic Airport. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Choose consumer friendly operators

“Keep an eye out for accommodation or service providers that will let you pay on arrival or cancel without penalty at short notice. This gives you a lot of flexibility if something goes wrong. The challenges of COVID-19 go both ways and big businesses in particular have no excuse not to implement consumer friendly policies. Some accommodation providers, such as Airbnb, will let you filter your search to find places that offer flexible cancellations.”

Learn how to cancel smart

“If the worst happens and your trip gets cancelled, learn how to cancel smart. Know the cancellation policy and if you can, wait to see if the company will cancel first. You don’t have to accept the first offer from the provider. Many will try to push you towards a voucher or credit. Ask for a refund anyway, it never hurts to ask.”