Are 'non-refundable deposits' REALLY non-refundable

[Kos]

I've had to cancel a booking for a holiday I can no longer go on and would like to reclaim my deposit.
The company state it is 'non-refundable' in their Ts & Cs, but is it really, or do any of you bright sparks know how I might get it back?

[pink-kittens]

Yeah sure you did

[Kos]

I certainly did so 'up yours' kitten!

[Excellene]

Do some further research on the subject. Yes, some non-refundable deposits are refundable. See the following links: http://www.bubbleinfo...n-refundable-deposit/ and http://www.strombotne...%9D-deposit-never-is.

[Excellene]

A deposit does not become “non-refundable” merely by labeling it as such. Do some more research you just may be able to get back your deposit. Talk to a lawyer. See the following links:
http://www.strombotne...ble"-deposit-never-is and
http://www.bubbleinfo...n-refundable-deposit/

[catinacat]

I paid a deposit for a photo session, and the photographer cancelled the first time by not showing up. The second apt. I cancelled due to bad weather. The deposit was made to hold a spot during their busy time. She paid my partner her deposit back, but refused mine. What are the laws concerning deposits in this situation

[catinacat]

A girlfriend and I booked a photo shoot for V-day, and the photographer cancelled without notice, we each paid $100.00 refundable deposit to hold our spot. She sent my friend her deposit back but told me that she could not afford to refund mine. What is the Law about this?

[Lawstudent87]

Hey Kos. In contract law, for you to claim back your deposit, there must be a direct link between you wanting to breach the contract and the loss. For example, either the breach occurs naturally like the flight is cancelled airline goes out of business or both you and the air line contemplated the breach when the contract was made. So it was discussed and agreed upon that had you for example be no longer able to go on holiday. Then you could make a successful claim. Other than that, im afraid a non refundable ticket in the terms and conditions would stand. However, if the airline did not explain their terms and conditions or failed to provide you adequate knowledge of their terms and conditions. For example, they are printed for you to see or on their website or you are not told when you booked them. Then that is grounds that a judge would take into consideration. Hope this helps

[kaptinparv]

My Wife booked a holiday to Egypt combining a nile cruise and ahotel stay with flights. It was booked through Querty travel, their Ts & Cs state the deposit is non-refundable if booking is cancelled at any time. The terms and conditions were not stated when the holiday was booked last week in Jan 2013 and the holiday is 7 months away in August 2013. Distance selling regulations state you have a 7 day cooling off period but other people indicate that this dosn't apply to holiday bookings. This doesn't seem fair as no contract was provided to sign and a deposit was needed to confirm the booking before details were confirmed. This means if the booking was not what was expected then your deposit is lost. Where do we stand legally as we paid the deposit 4 days ago on a debit card.
Really appreciate any advice thatcan be offered.