Refund Policy

Our cancellation and refund procedures

Last Updated: May 15, 2024

At Orbital Matrix, we understand that plans can change. This Refund Policy outlines our procedures for cancellations, refunds, and changes to bookings. Our goal is to provide clear and fair terms while balancing our commitments to suppliers and other travelers.

1. General Refund Policy

The refund amount you are eligible to receive depends on several factors, including:

  • When you cancel relative to your departure date
  • The type of travel service booked (tour package, flight, accommodation, etc.)
  • The specific terms of the travel providers involved in your booking
  • Whether your booking was made under any special promotions with specific cancellation terms

All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to [email protected] or through our online cancellation form available in your customer account. The date we receive your cancellation request will be considered the official cancellation date.

2. Standard Cancellation Schedule

Unless otherwise specified in your booking confirmation, the following standard cancellation fees apply to package tours organized by Orbital Matrix:

Days Before Departure Cancellation Fee Refund Amount
60+ days 10% of total booking cost 90% of total booking cost
59-45 days 25% of total booking cost 75% of total booking cost
44-30 days 50% of total booking cost 50% of total booking cost
29-15 days 75% of total booking cost 25% of total booking cost
14-0 days 100% of total booking cost No refund

Please note: The deposit amount (typically 20% of the total booking cost) is non-refundable in most cases, regardless of when you cancel.

3. Specific Product Refund Policies

3.1 Flight Bookings

Flight bookings are subject to the specific airline's cancellation and refund policies. Most airlines offer different fare classes with varying levels of flexibility:

  • Flexible/Refundable Tickets: Generally allow cancellation with minimal or no fees, but are priced higher
  • Semi-Flexible Tickets: May allow cancellation with partial refunds or the option to change dates for a fee
  • Non-Refundable Tickets: Typically do not provide refunds for cancellations, though some taxes and fees may be refundable

Orbital Matrix charges a service fee of £50 per person for processing airline refunds, in addition to any airline-imposed fees.

3.2 Hotel Reservations

Hotel cancellation policies vary by property and rate type:

  • Fully Flexible Rates: Usually allow free cancellation up to 24-72 hours before check-in
  • Non-Refundable Rates: Offer discounted prices but do not provide refunds for cancellations
  • Advance Purchase Rates: Typically non-refundable once booked

The specific cancellation policy for your hotel booking will be clearly displayed during the booking process and in your confirmation email.

3.3 Custom and Private Tours

Custom itineraries and private tours involve significant planning and resources. These bookings are subject to stricter cancellation terms:

  • 90+ days before departure: 25% cancellation fee
  • 89-60 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee
  • 59-30 days before departure: 75% cancellation fee
  • 29-0 days before departure: 100% cancellation fee (no refund)

3.4 Group Bookings

Group bookings (10 or more travelers) have specialized cancellation policies that will be provided at the time of booking. These typically include staggered deposit requirements and more restrictive cancellation terms.

4. Conditions for Refund

4.1 Eligible Reasons for Refunds

Standard refunds are provided according to the schedules above when you choose to cancel for any reason. Full or partial refunds outside of these schedules may be considered in the following circumstances:

  • If Orbital Matrix cancels your tour or significantly changes the itinerary after booking
  • If official government travel advisories warn against travel to your destination after your booking was made
  • If natural disasters, political unrest, or other extraordinary circumstances make it impossible or unsafe to deliver your booked services

4.2 Non-Refundable Circumstances

Refunds will not be provided in the following situations:

  • No-shows without prior cancellation notice
  • Partial use of booked services (e.g., leaving a tour early, missing activities)
  • Inability to travel due to inadequate or missing travel documentation (passports, visas, etc.)
  • Inability to travel due to health issues known before booking
  • Personal emergencies without supporting documentation
  • Dissatisfaction with confirmed itinerary elements that were accurately described during booking

5. Refund Procedures

5.1 How to Request a Refund

To request a refund, follow these steps:

  1. Contact us as soon as you know you need to cancel your booking
  2. Submit your cancellation request in writing to [email protected], including:
    • Your booking reference number
    • Full name(s) of all travelers
    • Reason for cancellation
    • Any supporting documentation (if applicable)
  3. Complete any cancellation forms we may send you
  4. Retain all correspondence for your records

5.2 Processing Timeline

Refund processing times vary based on the payment method and travel providers involved:

  • Credit Card Payments: Refunds typically appear on your statement within 7-14 business days after processing
  • Bank Transfers: Generally processed within 10-15 business days
  • Third-Party Services: Refunds for services provided by airlines, hotels, or other suppliers may take 30-90 days to process, as we must wait for refunds from these providers before we can issue your refund

We aim to process all refund requests within 5 business days of receiving a complete cancellation request with all required documentation.

5.3 Refund Method

Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used for booking. If this is not possible (e.g., expired credit card), we will contact you to arrange an alternative refund method.

6. Travel Protection and Insurance

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking. Travel insurance can provide coverage for many circumstances that our standard refund policy does not cover, including:

  • Trip cancellation due to illness or injury
  • Emergency medical expenses during travel
  • Travel delays and missed connections
  • Lost or delayed baggage
  • Trip interruption due to emergencies

Orbital Matrix offers travel insurance options during the booking process, or you may purchase coverage from your preferred provider.

7. Flexible Booking Options

7.1 Flex Booking Upgrade

For an additional fee of 10% of your booking value, you can add our Flex Booking option, which provides:

  • Free date changes up to 30 days before departure
  • Reduced cancellation fees (50% of standard fees)
  • One free name change per booking

Flex Booking must be purchased at the time of your initial booking and cannot be added later.

7.2 Travel Credits

If you need to cancel your trip but plan to travel later, you may opt to receive a travel credit instead of a refund. Travel credits:

  • Are valid for 24 months from the date of issue
  • Can be applied to any Orbital Matrix product
  • Are typically issued for 100% of the refundable amount (avoiding cancellation fees)
  • Are non-transferable and non-refundable

8. Special Circumstances

8.1 COVID-19 Related Cancellations

For bookings affected by COVID-19 restrictions, our policy is as follows:

  • If government travel restrictions prevent you from reaching your destination or require quarantine upon arrival, you may:
    • Postpone your trip with no change fees (subject to rate differences)
    • Convert your payment to a travel credit valid for 24 months
    • Request a refund subject to our standard cancellation fees
  • If you choose to cancel due to concerns about COVID-19, but no official restrictions prevent travel, our standard cancellation policy applies

You must provide documentation of travel restrictions that directly impact your booking.

8.2 Force Majeure Events

In cases of force majeure (natural disasters, war, civil unrest, terrorism, pandemics, etc.), Orbital Matrix will make reasonable efforts to provide refunds or credits, but this may be limited by the policies of our suppliers and circumstances beyond our control.

9. Exceptions to This Policy

Some promotions, special offers, and customized itineraries may have different refund terms. These exceptions will be clearly communicated during the booking process and in your booking confirmation. Always review the specific terms applicable to your booking.

10. Amendments to This Policy

Orbital Matrix reserves the right to update or modify this Refund Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on our website and will apply to bookings made after the posting date. Existing bookings will remain subject to the policy in effect at the time of booking unless otherwise required by law.

11. Contact Information

If you have questions about our Refund Policy or need assistance with a cancellation, please contact our Customer Service team:

Orbital Matrix Customer Service

18 Moore Land South, Carolebury, L36 3RN, United Kingdom

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +448568298051

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM GMT

For urgent matters outside of business hours, please use our 24/7 emergency assistance line: +448568298099

Thank you for choosing Orbital Matrix. We appreciate your understanding of our refund policies and look forward to providing you with exceptional travel experiences.