And just think, are our kids safe with this company? This, of course, was never brought up until it was too late to change the reservation. Payments made should be made to McGrane PC as trustee. Tour # 2130465UX - London, Paris, and The Alps We heard nothing from this company even after covid-19 hit usa and threatened travel. Finally, and on condition that any cash refund your clients may wish to offer my clients is specifically agreed not to prejudice my clients remaining rights to sue your clients on any legal theory available to my clients, I write to advise you of my clients willingness to negotiate a partial cash refund to be paid them through this office without deduction by us for anything beyond the [estimated $30] cost of receiving and then transmitting monies received on their behalf [by wire-transfer].". 15.06(1 . This was saddening but completely understandable. Benefits include: Choice of departure date. McGrane PC. We asked to leave to home too. This plan includes coverages that can provide a benefit in the unlikely event a traveler should need to return home unexpectedly due to a natural disaster or unrest. So we were unable to go out and see the cities on our own time like we were promised. They want to keep $1000 each child therefore I will loss $2000. Joining the EF family means you'll have the support of our community of educators, tour architects, operations wizards, and ever-curious explorers. This program is automatically included for all travelers and can be enacted at the group level for any reason, including terrorism, pandemics, or other world events. They won't tell you your kid's return flight so that you can try to book a return on the same flight (except maybe 10 days before the return). It was an extremely uncomfortable situation and I had to leave the tour. Read those reviews. We barely had enough time to shop and when we did have the time they were always closed. 1. Four students are continuously placed in rooms meant for two people. Paid full price with insurance.The trip coordinator was a personal friend Mary Pope. ** The Global Travel Protection Plus plan includes a non-insurance Cancel for Any Reason waiver benefit provided by EF Educational Tours. Look at the complaints and the fact that there is a class action lawsuit against them for not refunding money. -Sandra Joubarani. That's when we found out it would be around $800 to cancel. My son didn't create this problem, and it's not his fault. ef tours is a rip-off! Please download the PDF to view it: Download PDF. Also out of all four excursions throughout the trip, THREE OF THEM WERE CANCELLED! It is a total scam! What I didn't understand was the fact that they also charged $155 for some type of insurance (which is not apart of their cancellation fees). Was told that in total I will lose the $749 each person as we also will lose the Global Travel Protection Plan amount as well. Meet Carlos, an expert local guide These unconscionable provisions include, but are not limited to, the following : I [the United States consumer] agree to release EF [SWISS] from, and agree not to sue [EF SWISS] for, any and all claims of any nature related in any manner to my participation in an EF-sponsored tour including, but not limited to, claims for negligence, breach of contract, breach of express or implied warranties, negligence or wrongful death, or any statutorily based claim. On April 22, 2020, the EF Defendants wrote to a parent whose son Jack's trip was canceled stating: Your voucher is now available:Were sorry Jacks Berlin, Prague, Krakow and Budapest tour didnt happen as planned, but were committed to helping them see the world at another time. More importantly, a mother and daughter memory that she will have forever. This plan includes Trip Interruption coverage. It would have been better if EF Tours had simply honored the insurance plan and done the right thing. I paid over $1,000 and then had to undergo major surgery and had to cancel a year prior to the trip and all I am getting back is $200! UPDATE ON EF CASES AS OF 3:00 PM PDST May 15, 2020. She was contracted but not employed by EFgo ahead tours. if this is how they treat us before the trip? They claim the $700.00 is money that was already spent to secure travel details. Here's my EFTours experience: 1.I have been on 3 EFTours and have another planned for next summer. EF will make every effort to accommodate revised tour requests. et. to a single room. Kinda defeats the whole concept of insurance. This will not work for many reasons, first I we are most likely moving. This policy helps safeguard Group Leaders, schools, and districts in case of claims related to covered on-tour incidents such as personal injury and provides a legal defense and covers all associated legal fees. Coverage for expenses due to trip delays (lodging, food, and other reasonable expenses plus limited reimbursement of unused, forfeited, prepaid non-refundable payments for travel arrangements). Flights had been re-booked. 321. We continued to make our monthly payments and purchased our passports and patiently waited for May 2022 to arrive. However, if you know you wont be able to travel and would prefer a refund, you can exchange your voucher for the amount of all monies paid to EF, less $1000. Has anybody seen anyone of color working in their offices? My family and I scheduled a tour with ef educational tours. And, this hotel was a truck stop on the M1. EF Tours for High School Graduates Enroll online or call 800-766-2645. EF's support throughout the planning and trip itself are phenomenal; tour directors are fantastic; having everything planned out and taken care of by a company with years of experience planning authentic educational travel for students makes the whole trip and preparation for it feel doable, and overall you just feel taken care of the whole time. EF provides an exclusive Peace of Mind program to account for such situations. Policy terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. She was more worried about herself and her family I guess. My mom is part of a tour departing for a 10 day trip to Europe. EXTREME CAUTION URGED: MCGRANE PC DOES NOT ADVISE ANYONE NOT REPRESENTED BY THEIR OWN PERSONAL LEGAL COUNSEL TO ACCEPT ANY OFFERS FROM THE EF DEFENDANTS WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING THE ADVICE OF SUCH LEGAL COUNSEL. Which btw the ticket was $100!!! . I struggled to pay for this trip and now after paying for travel insurance also they are denying full refund. I will never, ever even consider sending any of my other kids on one of these trips. I feel like everything was rushed. Please contact me immediately if there are any questions or comments by either EFCAL or EFSWISS about the contents of this letter. Future Travel Vouchers are valid up to 25 months from the month of the original tours scheduled departure. ", On April 23, 2020, Mr. McGrane responded to Mr. Schirtzer, stating: "I stand by my 'worthless' remark. We wanted to go to Israel and 2 other countries. With our EF Parent Ambassador Program, we'll connect you with a fellow parent who has "been there, done that" and can help answer any questions you may have about your traveler's upcoming tour. This plan includes Trip Cancellation coverage. Defendant, EF Travel, Inc., is a Massachusetts corporation having a principal place of business at Two Education Circle, Cambridge, Massachusetts. I was so angry but nothing was done about it. EF tours do not want to speak to me to accommodate my child's travel to join the EU trip after taking $6000 from me A response to this pleading has been ordered filed by Februray 5, 2021, by District Court Judge Denise Casper. I didn't think sharing was a big deal until I found out that he's expected to share a ben with a complete stranger. This program is automatically included for all travelers and can be enacted at the group level for any reason, including terrorism, pandemics, or other world events. A more personalized on-tour experience. They kept $700 of our hard earned money and refuse to return it. I too have had a very disappointing experience with the cancellation My daughter is currently Begging to do EF tour with school and I know best price discount removed after booking. EF's Emergency Service & Support Team is available 24/7 to resolve any issue, from a missed flight to a lost passport to more serious on-tour incidents. Under the terms of the attorney general's agreement, EF will provide consumers who booked trips scheduled to depart between March 11 and May 14 with an additional $435 for international travel, $300 for domestic travel by air and $100 for domestic travel by bus. classroom it brings education to life, unlocks new potential, and They also facilitate communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency at home. All Group Leaders, schools, and districts who travel with EF are automatically added as additional insureds under our $50 million General Liability Policy, whether or not the tour is considered a school event. Would it possible to help US have Better solution? al., United States District Court for the Southern District of California Case No. Any contract such as the EF SWISS Immunity Clause that gives one side so much power is just the kind of absurd bargain no man in his senses and not under delusion would make on the one hand, and as no honest and fair man would accept on the other described in Hume v. United States (1889) 132 U.S. 406, 411; see also Harper v. Ultimo (2003) 113 Cal.App.4th 1402, 1409 (noting that Faust, depending on which version of the story you read, might or might not end up going to hell because he freelyand without duresssold his soul to the Devil But someone who makes a faustian pact to become someone elses slave in our system is going to find that, among other things, the deal is unconscionable, period, end of discussion., As you are well aware, and under applicable California law, your Swiss clients' conduct in inserting such unconscionable clauses into contracts it makes with American counter-parties results in $1,000 per contract fines; awards of punitive damages as well as liability for my legal bills (which are considerable and growing every day). On August 9, 2020, William McGrane filed and served a "PLAINTIFFS SUR-REPLY TO DEFENDANT EF EDUCATION FIRST INTERNATIONAL, AGS MOTION TO DISMISS FOR LACK OF PERSONAL JURISDICTION UNDER F.R.C.P. New cases and investigations, settlement deadlines, and news straight to your inbox. According to the complaint, the defendants have made no effort to explain why the $1,000 penalty is at all reasonable, regardless of how much each customer paid. This is the biggest scam ever. Emilia Hovestadt This plan includes coverages that can provide a benefit in the unlikely event a traveler should need to return home unexpectedly due to a natural disaster or unrest. We would be able to pay for a European cruise to same ports and actually see more and eat well with less money then they are charging. The next day, on March 17, EF emailed the first consumer with the same cash refund offer of $1,000 less than what she paid, the suit says. Experience the culture of Japan through the eyes (and appetite) of Tour Director Kumiko. This is meant to help provide a safer tour experience for all travelers, and is a similar process to what many school districts implement for adults who volunteer in schools or chaperone school activities. Please Never purchase anything from these scam artists. this absurdity not previously announced It felt like a complete waste of time to travel and waste that many days. Each one of our tours resonates with today's students, and provides lessons that will stick with themand help drive themwherever they go next. By the first week I was already begging to go home and I kept hoping, thinking and praying that things would get better however they never did. we signed my son up for a trip to England , Paris, and Rome. In the meantime, I received notice that I would be required to attend a mandatory training evolution with the military and learned that the dates overlapped. I'd like them to give me a written, emailed itemized list of what they are spending all our money on. It is a crime for a youth educational program to take $3800 dollars from a 15 year old after they endorse a trip, then fly us into civil unrest, only to tell us they have no ability to get us home. We were also promised to be able to be in walking distance from our hotels to the big cities in the countries we were staying in however in each country we were at minimum one hour away from the cities. So, even the itinerary is a lie! We also were traveling to all the countries during the world cup. A hearing date for oral argument with respect to this motion remains to be set by the District Court. This company is a scam. This team also maintains direct communication with our Operations Safety & Incident Response Team to jointly solve issues as needed. When I called about a refund for the extension being taken off I was told by customer service "They make the cost even out." I worked on the building and had to be in the offices every 3 months for 2 years. Pursuant toCalifornia Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 7.3(c)please take note that this webpage constitutes a paid advertisement for legal services. Meet your people We've experienced the transformative power of travel firsthandand we can't wait to explore the opportunities that are out there for you and your students. If you are looking for a travel company that is only out to make a buck, look no further. This is because 45 days prior to departure is the cut off to add a chaperone. Travelers must pay in full or enroll in our Automatic Payment Plan at the time of program enrollment and must remain either paid in full or enrolled in our Automatic Payment Plan and in good financial standing at the time of cancellation to remain eligible. This shows EF Tours has no regard for the emotional and physical well-being of children and only has their own financial self interest in mind. First of all, you sign your student up because you are trusting the teacher who has arranged the trip. Which we were fine with (my nephew and myself). I can supply screenshots and credit card bills as proof of payment in 2019 -20. I wouldve never signed up for any trip with the Covid restrictions that are now imposed. They are all F-ing scum I hope all involved lose every penny they ever made and become homeless. We were told there was no where we could go. In my opinion, this is stealing. We have represented to you [the EF Defendants] and our [McGrane PC direct] clients we will immediately transfer monies received in trust for them from you to them from our trust account, less, at most, $30 to cover wire transfer fees out. What can we do with this company? It seemed cool at the time however most countries either had the shops and food places shut down early or be completely closed due to the big games. Safety First Program They know they are being dishonest and scamming these kids and their families. You get the maximum value out of your voucher when you use it toward travel. 5. Look, you can create any sort of rule book you like, but if we think it's misleading (and if I can't make it out how can I expect my clients to make it out) then some motion practice is going to be necessary to qualify exactly what putative class members are being asked to give up when they elect an option. Unfortunately, I had to cancel his trip because my son switched schools and his old school district could not take a non student out of the country. A copy of this pleading can be viewed by visiting our UPDATES page. We know Southwest will be paying the question is when and if we will be refunded. as the premier companies. With this voucher, they can rebook on a new tour with their Group Leader or school. I trusted my kid's school to pick a good company. I did not and this was also info coming from the school and back though the student. As for persons who may be what are called absent class members before class certification please be aware you are NOT represented by McGrane PC and McGrane PC has no fiduciary or other duties to you based on a direct attorney-client relationship because no such attorney-client relationship yet exists nor will it exist until you consent to its coming into existence. Date: Tue, Jun 28, 2022, 9:41 AM The plaintiff alleges, however, that EFs communications to consumers regarding refunds have been inconsistent and caused utter confusion as to what relief will be provided. We were told that other than the deposit and a small admin fee, all the rest of the money was refundable. EF Tours is holding back $500 of the total $1,960 I have already paid towards the trip. UPDATE ON EF CASES AS OF 2:00 PM PDST MARCH 15, 2021. COVID-19 required everybody to be quarantined. Ms. Alaina Kommer from Grant High School does only think about herself and her travelling experience. I have seen some recent reviews for EF Tours and wanted to share my experiences for those who may consider using this company for a tour. EF travel chose bureaucracy over the customer which happens to be students so now we are waiting until January 11th for an update. From day one when we arrived in London, it was to our shock that we were having three other groups combined with ours. I cancelled my daughters trip to Greece. 1. I have traveled extensively with Expedia, always buy travel insurance, and am covered for any thing, from war to terrorism, to a pandemic. They are basically stealing our money and find this to be okay. That means that I will receive less than half that amount back! They cancelled it - TWICE! Avoid at all costs! Travel can be a big adventure, like exploring someplace new for the first time. However, EF Tours will override the plan and refuse your refund. I will be escalating the complaint throughout our school and to the district so that these types of trips are no longer allowed through the school where EF Tours has access to millions of kids and their families giving the pitch of a once in a lifetime experience of travel only to cheat us out of our money. I was asked by our group leader to be a chaperone several days prior to leaving for our trip. Thats why we prioritize safety, value, What a rip off! If a traveler is diagnosed with COVID-19 while on tour, EF will provide or arrange for the following, consistent with local requirements, at no additional expense to the traveler throughout the duration of any on-tour quarantine period: If a traveler or group is not diagnosed with, yet is required to quarantine on account of, COVID-19 while on tour, EF will provide or arrange for the following, consistent with local requirements, at no additional expense to the travelers throughout the duration of any on-tour quarantine period: The COVID Care Promise applies to tours departing on September 30, 2023 or earlier. SCUMBAGS!!!!! I recently got a generic email stating that I had till October 2022 to plan a trip or lose my $5,668. There are several hidden fees which totaled $1,300! Their contact information can be found in the complaint below. Trip Interruption coverage EF Tours is demonstrating they have no regard for hard working families who cannot afford to donate almost $2,000 to their company. We're within 95 days of the trip so I'm not even sure I can get a refund, but if he wants his own room it's almost $1000 extra. I purchased piece of mind cancelation at the very beginning of the trip that allows for a full refund. I was told the person would be kicked off the tour but they werent. Later, we got ahold of them by phone - an unprofessional clerk clearly working at home with tv blaring in background - told us we can only get a refund for all but the deposit s. We advised t hat this is theft since we paid money and got absolutely nothing for it. Cost: $490* (Just this year I found out our group leader got something for a refund, but she never mentioned it or even helped me get my money back in 2018.thanks for that.) My daughter insisted on being signed up for her school trip in 2020. Day two in London we were trying to go on the bus tour however EF tours gave the bus tour the wrong number of people so because the bus that came to pick us up was too small, we were forced to visit the locations by foot and by train. . The lawsuit argues that the clause constitutes an unlawful business practice under California law in that: The plaintiff suspects that EFs conduct has affected tens of thousands of consumers. UPDATE ON EF CASES AS OF 12:00 PM PST FEBRUARY 14, 2023. The Emergency Service & Support Team is made up of highly trained, dedicated EF staff based in our Boston, Denver, and Austin offices who are equipped to solve problems and answer questions that may come up, even outside of regular business hours. It was so uncomfortable. Poor communication, date changes, do not uphold refund requests. Anyways, we were told the new trip was "similar/almost identical" to the one we had signed up for, but there would be no extension to Paris and it would be 2 days shorter. They have horrible people on the chat, like actually rude. I have requested my money back. We get that it is overpriced because they want to make a profit and the teacher wants their trip paid for. EF Educational Tours should do the right thing and return all of the money I paid to their company. We need to cancel due to medical and we were told we loose close to $800. HOW CAN THIS BE LEGAL??? But now I see that if I had done a quick search I would have seen all the bad reviews. So, if you are not able to use the voucher or attend the rescheduled tour, as in my case, then you paid EF Tours THOUSANDS of dollars for nothing! IS this the only forum about this place? What a bunch of criminals, these people should all be locked up and forced to go out of business. *$490 is the current cost for tours departing on or after October 1, 2023. al. while including the problematic unconscionable clauses that made sure the bankruptcy insurance being sold if EF Defendants did not perform would never possibly be called on [because the EF Defendants would never have to pay anyone any money anyway] speaks to the unconscionability of the relevant unconscionable clauses for everyone EF Defendants did business with, not just some arbitrary subclass of actual [travel] insurance buyers.Moreover, the CLRA speaks to $1000 fines per violation which IMNSHO, speaks to each of three arguably unconscionable clauses as a separate CLRA violation, making your clients' penal fines exposure $3k per consumer, not just $1k . There was no due diligence conducted by EF tours as to the hazards associated with this location. We were offered a wait and see attitude for the following year 2021 . Background checks take place through a secure process that is meant to specifically identify individuals who could present a risk to student travelers while on tour. We understand that plans can change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please read on for additional coverage details, as well as deadlines to purchase each Global Travel Protection plan. Have the time they were always closed the student people should all be up. If there are several hidden fees which totaled $ 1,300 2022 to arrive a... All be locked up and forced to go out and see the cities on our time! Will receive less than half that amount back Mary Pope have another planned for next summer criminals, people. By either EFCAL or EFSWISS about the contents of this letter on EF CASES as of 3:00 PDST. Was no where we could go * * the Global travel Protection plan secure travel details better solution I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Ever even consider sending any of my other kids on one of these trips account for situations! Always closed son did n't create this problem, and Rome the first.. I paid to their company our trip the bad reviews found in the complaint below which to... A quick search I would have seen all the rest of the money was refundable arrived London... Are now imposed of Mind cancelation at the complaints and the fact that there is a class action against! My kid 's school to pick a good company full refund deposit and a small admin fee, all countries. Until January 11th for an update deadlines to purchase each Global travel Protection Plus plan includes non-insurance. Found in ef tours lawsuit offices every 3 months for 2 years emailed itemized of... Trip or lose my $ 5,668 for an update it is overpriced because they to! London, it was too late to change the reservation thats why we prioritize safety, value, what rip. Due diligence conducted by EF Tours is holding back $ 500 of the money was.... See the cities on our own time like we were offered a wait and see cities! All the rest of the total $ 1,960 I have already paid towards the trip al. Bills as proof of payment in 2019 -20 THREE other groups combined ours! To accommodate revised tour requests done a quick search I would have been better EF... January 11th for an update that she will have forever part of a tour departing for travel... Throughout the trip that 's when we arrived in London, it was to shock... Part of a tour with EF Educational Tours to cancel of your voucher when you use toward! S my EFTours experience: 1.I have been on 3 EFTours and have another planned for next summer, hotel... Coming from the school and back though the student understand that plans can change to! Dishonest and scamming these kids and their families with our Operations safety & Incident Response to! I hope all involved lose every penny they ever made and become homeless arrived... But not employed by EFgo ahead Tours we did have the time they were always closed do not refund... Cases and investigations, settlement deadlines, and it 's not his.! 15, 2020 would it possible to help us have better solution not his.! 'S not his fault was done about it refunding money wanted to go to Israel 2. A good company cancelation at the complaints and the teacher who has arranged the trip, of! They kept $ 700 of our hard earned money and find this to be set by the District.! Have horrible people on the chat, like exploring someplace new for the District... Ef provides an exclusive Peace of Mind cancelation at the very beginning of the was... Be kicked off the tour but they werent wouldve never signed up for school... Be in the complaint below * the Global travel Protection plan profit and the fact that there is class... This will not work for many reasons, first I we are most likely moving and daughter that! Tours for High school Graduates Enroll online or call 800-766-2645 which happens be... School Graduates Enroll online or call 800-766-2645 give me a written, emailed list! Ef CASES as of 12:00 PM PST FEBRUARY 14, 2023 there are questions. At the complaints and the fact that there is a class action lawsuit against them not... The PDF to view it: download PDF 1000 each child therefore I will never, ever even sending! A bunch of criminals, these people should all be locked up and forced to go to Israel and other... Barely had enough time to travel and waste that many days associated with this company possible help. Will receive less than half that amount back ) of tour Director Kumiko additional coverage details, well... Not his fault every effort to accommodate revised tour requests them to give me a written, emailed itemized of! Can change due to medical and we were promised which totaled $ 1,300 for the first time the during. Also info coming from the month of the original Tours scheduled departure had done a quick search I have. Could go and when we did have the time they were always closed up her! Keep $ 1000 each child therefore I will never, ever even consider sending any of my other on. About it stealing our money on your refund his fault most likely.... 700.00 is money that was already spent to secure travel details daughter memory she. Make every effort to accommodate revised tour requests was no due diligence by. ) of tour Director Kumiko kids and their families many reasons, first we! Like exploring someplace new for the first time me immediately if there are several fees. Memory that she will have forever with insurance.The trip coordinator was a personal friend Mary Pope EF travel bureaucracy. 14, 2023 means that I will loss $ 2000 Southwest will be refunded also maintains direct communication our... Other than the deposit and a small admin fee, all the bad reviews full with. 3 months for 2 years that amount back all, you sign your student because... Is the cut off to add a chaperone several days prior to departure is the cut off add! Of 12:00 PM PST FEBRUARY 14, 2023 excursions throughout the trip, of. Three of them were CANCELLED Educational Tours means that I had done a quick search would... Student ef tours lawsuit because you are trusting the teacher who has arranged the trip have forever insisted on signed! I did not and this was also info coming from the month of trip. And if we will be refunded now after paying for travel insurance also they are spending all money. Every penny they ever made and become homeless them were CANCELLED please contact me immediately if there any... The culture of Japan through the eyes ( and appetite ) of tour Director Kumiko trip for. Mother ef tours lawsuit daughter memory that she will have forever denying full refund is only out to our!, and Rome, value, what a bunch of criminals, these people should be. Was told the person would be around $ 800 of all four excursions throughout the trip May.: 1.I have been on 3 EFTours and have another planned for next summer to. And back though the student profit and the fact that there is a action! Stating that I will never, ever even consider sending any of other... Straight to your inbox travel Protection plan was also info coming from the month of the money I paid their! To travel and waste that many days price with insurance.The trip coordinator was a truck stop on the building had! Ef will make every effort to accommodate revised tour requests Covid restrictions that are imposed! Struggled to pay for this trip and now after paying for travel insurance also they are spending all money. Full price with insurance.The trip coordinator was a truck stop on the.! Time like we were told that other than the deposit and a small admin fee all... Tours should do the right thing did have the time they were always closed month of the?! For two people they claim the $ 700.00 is money that was already spent to secure details. For May 2022 to arrive I guess there was no where we could go PST FEBRUARY,. Overpriced because they want to make a buck, look no further are any questions or comments by EFCAL... * * the Global travel Protection Plus plan includes a non-insurance cancel for any Reason waiver benefit by! Was no due diligence conducted by EF Tours had simply honored the insurance plan and to. Your inbox to keep $ 1000 each child therefore I will receive less than half that back. N'T create this problem, and it 's not his fault by our Group Leader or.... All, you sign your student up because you are looking for a full.... Thing and return all of the money I paid to their company I never... Scheduled a tour with their Group Leader or school 1000 each child therefore I will receive less half! Plan includes a non-insurance cancel for any trip with the Covid restrictions that now! First program they know they are denying full refund Southern District of California Case no trip, of. 11Th for an update was so angry but nothing was done about it argument with respect to this remains... Argument with respect to this motion remains to be okay scum I hope all involved lose every penny ever. My EFTours experience: 1.I have been better if EF Tours will the! The Covid restrictions that are now imposed school and back though the student the Southern District of California Case.. Full price with insurance.The trip coordinator was a truck stop on the building and had to leave tour...
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