Condor yields to refund request

Thursday 15 August 2024

Condor has relented and agreed to give a refund to a disappointed customer after cancelling a day trip to Jersey because the Clipper had broken down.

Regional newspaper journalist Richard Harding used to live in Guernsey where he worked as a radio presenter.

He now lives in Plymouth but this past week he has been back in Guernsey for a family wedding.

During his time in Guernsey, Mr Harding wanted to visit Jersey too so he booked a day trip with Condor.

The £33 fare covered a two-hour crossing to St Helier on the Clipper before a return journey later that day.

However, a technical problem with the traditional ferry meant that the day trip was cancelled.

Mr Harding only found out about the cancellation when he arrived at St Peter Port Harbour to check in, where he was offered the chance to travel later in the week instead.

As that clashed with his return to the UK Mr Harding had to say no, and was then offered a voucher for £33 instead. While the voucher is valid for a year, Mr Harding said that was unacceptable as he would need to spend much more money with Condor Ferries to be able to redeem the voucher's value. As he does not have any plans to sail to Guernsey in the near future he again requested a refund instead of a voucher.

Condor initially refused until Mr Harding shared his experiences with his friends and followers on social media.

He has now been offered a refund.

“Thanks to a little ‘media intervention’ Condor have relented and will be reimbursing me," confirmed Mr Harding, who added: "I trust the policy will be modified for everyone."