school ski trip

hajclark

This is really a plea for help!

My husband and I organise our annual school ski trip. we Booked in March through our normal operator and paid the balance. We have collected the outstanding balances off students in installments ready for the final payment.
However, we have just received a letter and new invoice stating that due to the performance of the pound against the Euro, they have decided to add another £30 per student!!!
We dont feel that this is fair, going back to parents to try and explain this and beg for more money!

Can anyone please tell me if the travel company is allowed to do this and any suggestions for action?!
Also, would the reduction in VAT also affect our final balance now?!!

Thanks in anticipation for any help anyone can give us!!!!!

Helen

delwynshd

I would not say the VAT would apply to your holiday as this has been booked in advance. Only to holidays going forward. The operator should not be adding extra money on at all, you agreed a cost with the tour operator. Who have you booked your trip through????

Thanks
Del

hajclark

its through an educational travel company. we have been with them previously and only had a few issues last year for the first time. we are taking a party of 49.
we wondered if this was happening to a lot of people or if they were trying to fleece us!!

have you got any suggestions for a way forward please?!

delwynshd

I would conatct the operator now and ask why is this the case Helen. If this is not in the terms and conditions then I just would not pay it.

If you had booked package holiday with myself for instance this would not happen in a million years. I am very curious why this charge has been applied?

Thanks
Del

delwynshd

I have sent you a private message

Backbiter

Currency surcharges are not new and I would not be surprised if they are in their T + Cs. Check them carefully and any price guarantee the company offers to attract customers.
We got hit with fuel surcharges (the notorious Virgin-BA racket in 2004-5), although these are due to be refunded... eventually.

maslerdanch

Hi if it is in their booking conditions that fluctuations in the Euro may cause price increases then they are perfectly within their rights no matter how unfair! If they are bonded with ABTA, AITO or ATOL you should contact them to see where you stand exactly.