Refund Via Bank Transfer- How Long?

[tali1]

I paid by bank transfer for airline tickets froma travel agent which i had not as yet confirmed or booked.I cancelled and for refund the travel agent told me to email my bank details ( i thought he would have had them anyway?) , heard nothing for a week.Phoned and they said it takes about 2 to 4 weeks to refund money back to my account.
Seems a very long time , or is this standard procedure as i guess they have to monthly audit ? -anyone clarify?
They will be earning interest on my money - and i will not be!
(i have looked at their conditions but there is nothing about time frames for refunds)

[boxtops]

I'd check with your bank - this seems a very long time, but it's not uncommon with some organisations to be quick to take your money, but slow to refund it. Are they a reputable company, ABTA bonded and so on?

[Buenchico]

The actual 'BACS' process is certainly a lot quicker than 2 to 4 weeks. A company that I work for (on a self-employed basis) sometimes pays money into my account via BACS. It usually takes 3 working days but if they use the express method (e.g. when I've complained after their cheque has bounced!) it takes about 1 minute.

[tali1]

Atol protection.
Won't bank simply say it is a matter for the travel agent? -or can bank "force the issue"?

[bednobs]

the bank cannot force the issue. I think you are asking the wrong people why it will take so long - only the agent will know why

[Buenchico]

'ATOL protection' means that the company offering the flights (i.e. the airline or tour operator) holds an Air Tours Operator's Licence. It tell you nothing at all about the travel agent.

The matter is purely a civil dispute between you and the travel agent; the bank has nothing to do with it.

Such delays in refunding money aren't that unusual. I left a cash deposit with a well-known car hire company. When I returned the car I expected to get my cash back but I was told that I'd have to wait several weeks for the company to send me a cheque.