O/T Thomson Airlines have ruined my summer holiday

[Aspinal's Body Double]

We booked and paid for a flight to Montenegro this summer with Thomson Airlines. Once we had received flights confirmations we booked our villa and paid £800, and paid another £110 for Gatwick Hotel and airport parking.

We got a letter from Thomson airlines today saying that they have "reviewed their flights" and decided not to fly to Montenegro any more. They offered us an "alternative flight" to Croatia instead, three days earlier than our original flight (i.e different country, different day).

They have refused to compensate us for costs of villa, hotel, airport parking or any other costs.

 

[The Wizard]

Are they allowed to do that? sounds a bit dodgy to me that they can just say, no were not flying there any more, deal with it. Wouldn't surprise me though

 

[Everest]

Can you get another flight?
As it's a major change they should give you a full refund.

We will of course offer you an alternative flight, where possible. However, if the alternative flight offer is not suitable then a full refund will be given on application, including all fees.

 

[ali jenkins]

There must be another airline that flys to Montenegro??

 

[Aspinal's Body Double]

ABTA say they have done all they have to-but then again I think they just basically represent their members' interests.

 

[Paddy B]

So why dont you try another airline.

Montegro Airlines fly direct

http://www.skyscanner.net/flights/lgw/tgd/cheap-flights-from-london-gatwick-to-podgorica.html

 

[Aspinal's Body Double]

There must be another airline that flys to Montenegro??

Not on the day we had booked to go.

 

[Aspinal's Body Double]

So why dont you try another airline.

Montegro Airlines fly direct

http://www.skyscanner.net/flights/lgw/tgd/cheap-flights-from-london-gatwick-to-podgorica.html

Tried them, they don't have return flights on our dates.

 

[Everest]

Did you pay by c/c or d/c?
Phone them up and see what they say.

 

[Aspinal's Body Double]

Can you get another flight?
As it's a major change they should give you a full refund.

Yes, we'll get our flight money back but we spent more on the villa and the hotel which we cannot get to now.

 

[Aspinal's Body Double]

Did you pay by c/c or d/c?
Phone them up and see what they say.

Montenegro villa was bank transfer. We had protection from Owners Direct if the villa owners pulled out, but not if we pull out because we can't get there.
It's not villa owner's fault of course, and she is perfectly entitled to keep our money.

Thomson have caused the problem, but they won't accept responsiblity.

 

[Smithy]

Yes, we'll get our flight money back but we spent more on the villa and the hotel which we cannot get to now.

As they will be refunding your flight money, I very much doubt there is anything else you can do I'm afraid. You might want to seek independent advice (e.g. Trading Standards or CAB) to make sure though.

 

[Aspinal's Body Double]

As they will be refunding your flight money, I very much doubt there is anything else you can do I'm afraid. You might want to seek independent advice (e.g. Trading Standards or CAB) to make sure though.

Unfortunately, I think you're right.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Can you get a flight from Croatia to Montenegro to coincide with your villa booking ? As you only booked flights with Thomson they can say they are not liable for reimbursing accomodation and other costs which will probably be written in the very small print on your contract.

 

[clippedgull]

Montenegro villa was bank transfer. We had protection from Owners Direct if the villa owners pulled out, but not if we pull out because we can't get there.

The bank transfer sector i'm afraid was the fatal flaw, a lesson to everyone, always pay by credit card for everything over £100 when dealing with businesses if you have that option.

 

[Smithy]

The bank transfer sector i'm afraid was the fatal flaw, a lesson to everyone, always pay by credit card for everything over £100 when dealing with businesses if you have that option.

It wouldn't have made any difference in this instance. You can only claim from the credit card company if the supplier of the goods or services can be held liable themselves.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

ABTA say they have done all they have to-but then again I think they just basically represent their members' interests.

ABTA, if at all bias are bias towards the buyer

 

[clippedgull]

It wouldn't have made any difference in this instance. You can only claim from the credit card company if the supplier of the goods or services can be held liable themselves.

Would Thomson have not been held liable as it effectively toppled the house of cards?

What about holiday insurance, would that be liable?

I agree though that a visit to CAB or similar would be a good step.

 

[Gully]

How about contacting the villa owner, explain the situation and ask if you can move the dates slightly, then try and find a way to get there by some other means.

 

[Smithy]

Would Thomson have not been held liable as it effectively toppled the house of cards?

What about holiday insurance, would that be liable?

I agree though that a visit to CAB or similar would be a good step.

Cannot say for sure I have not seen the paperwork, but as seagullsovergrimsby has said, it is very likely that it would state in the terms and conditions that they cannot be held liable for any consequential losses in the event of any alteration/cancellation of flights.

CAB would be able to clarify this.