Bali victims fight for fare refunds

By REBECCA WALSH

New Zealand holidaymakers caught up in the Bali bomb blasts are battling for compensation for airfares 4 1/2 months later.

They are angry they have been left to chase up reimbursement from travel and insurance companies and disappointed at the lack of Government support.

Auckland woman Felicity Boucher was left more than $3000 out of pocket when she flew home 24 hours after leaving for her 10-day holiday to Bali. Ms Boucher checked into her hotel just over an hour before a bomb ripped through Kuta's nightclub area, killing 202 people on October 12. She spent the night helping victims of the blast.

The 31-year-old had paid $1600 for a package deal, which included a return flight with Garuda and 10 nights accommodation, but paid another $1600 to fly home with Qantas on what she believed was a co-shared flight the day after she arrived.

Two weeks ago she received a $530 cheque from her travel agent, Harvey World Travel in Ponsonby, which included reimbursement for accommodation and the Garuda airfare.

"The five of us who flew back were under the impression we were going to be reimbursed whether it was Garuda or Qantas ... I must admit I thought I would get between $1000 and $1200 back.

"I didn't think I should have to go and keep pursuing stuff. It brings back stuff you don't necessarily want to bring back."

Mt Wellington couple Stewart and Melanie Nankivell, who are also waiting for reimbursement from Qantas, were angry they had to continually chase up the airline.

"It's more than just the money ... it's the fact we are having to chase and badger and be the squeaky wheel."

Mrs Nankivell said that, while most insurance companies did not cover acts of terrorism, her work insurance had reimbursed 75 per cent of their costs.

Another NZ couple on their flight had been paid by Qantas, she said.

A Qantas spokesman said the airline had processed a large number of ticket refunds for customers of other airlines who flew with Qantas. The vast majority had been settled without incident.

"We are already investigating these cases and hope to have the issue resolved as soon as possible."

Mr Nankivell's refund would be processed within the next week.

After the bomb blast Qantas had organised a number of extra flights to get people out of Bali, carrying an extra 1500 people. The airline had waived cancellation fees and transported medical staff.

The New Zealanders were disappointed in the Government response and said Australians appeared to have received more support, from counselling through to financial aid.

Ms Boucher had been stung with a Vodafone bill for just under $1300, which had included calls from family, friends and media immediately after the attack.

Vodafone in Australia had contributed $450 towards the bill but she had paid the rest.

Herald Feature: Bali bomb blast