SAA has reopened its BSPlink refund process with immediate effect, which indicates that agents will be able to apply for cash refunds for SAA tickets once again.
“In line with the commitment the airline made to you, our valued partners, I would like to inform you that the SAA BSPlink refund process will be reactivated with immediate effect. You are welcome to contact me should you encounter any challenges. The GDS refund process will, however, remain suspended until further notice,” said Faith Sikakane, regional manager for Coastal Sales SAA, in a trade notification sent out today.
“Also, the validity of all unflown tickets will be extended until March 31, 2023. Because of the extension, there is no need to apply for a credit note/voucher; the ticket can be re-issued for future travel dates once we resume operations,” she added.
Director of Cape Town-based German Overseas Travel, Michaela Vollmer, said the reopening of BSPlink was a step in the right direction as it indicated that clients may finally be able to redeem money for SAA services that the airline had not been able to deliver since it ceased scheduled flight operations a year ago.
“This is the opening of a door for us. However, the details are still unclear. When will refunds be processed? Will clients receive full refunds or will they be subjected to admin or cancellation penalties? How long will it take to receive refunds? Will all unflown tickets be applicable for cash refunds?” asked Michaela, who added that this notification could result in a rush of refund applications being submitted.
Travel News contacted SAA’s BRPs to confirm if the reopening of BSPlink meant that SAA would now be providing clients with cash refunds, but had not heard back from the BSPs at time of publication.
