My husband and I booked our honeymoon through Air Jamaica Vacations, and purchased their Travel Protection Plan with Trip Mate. All flights were cancelled the day we were supposed to depart, due to Hurricane Dean ripping through St. Lucia and Jamaica. After three months of forms and phone calls, it has come down to this: Trip Mate has issued us a Benefit Calculation form saying we are owed $1800+ from Air Jamaica Vacations, and Trip Mate issued us their coverage of the cancellation penalty. According to Trip Mate, their part is done and the left is up to Air Jamaica Vacations.

After weeks of talking to people in several departments of Air Jamaica Vacations, including their refund department, we have been given the run-around and nobody there seems able to tell us what is going on. Our e-mails go unanswered, even when we mention seeking legal counsel to have this resolved. What recourse do we have? There seems to be no more clear-cut case than this, as we had no choice but to NOT take our trip since all flights to Jamaica were cancelled that day. We thought buying travelers insurance would help us in this case, and instead we are left confused and frustrated.

Does anyone have advice or insights on this?? We would greatly appreciate it!

Hi --- Just out of interest, how did you pay for this trip, did you use a credit card for the bookings ?

My reasoning is that as you have virtually exhausted all avenues of getting a refund and you are still being ignored, then you could claim it back from the card company, using a chargeback claim. !!!

We paid in full using American Express several months before the travel date. I have heard that Amex is good with such things, so maybe that would work! It is definitely an avenue to pursue-- thanks!

Hi --- It's amazing what weight a card co like Amex could bring to bear in securing your refund, once you have their financial muscle on your side you will find things get done.

If I was in your position I would involve them right now by asking for your money returned by them under the consumer credit act, they will then pursue the company with lots more pressure than you could possibly apply.

You have tried your utmost .... Maybe it's time to take the gloves off. !!!