The Sun / Alton Towers Deal (not all it seems!)

fatrollie

Hi,
I have 2 tickets for Alton Towers for Wednesday 21st October and would like to swap for Monday 26th or Wednesday 28th October.

Any takers?

bravobeastie

rosatoso wrote: »

Me too, that's why I'm wondering if they did actually give out summer holiday dates at all - presumably they make enough money during this period anyway without giving away free places.

I know they are free, but it is disappointing when they give you dates outside of the 5-date periods you have requested.

Can you not do what the rest of us have had to do? Swap them on ebay. It took me a couple of weeks to find someone with a suitable date who was happy with the date i had, i even drove 22 miles to swap with them in person and now we're off to Alton Towers tomorrow.

Yes they gave out dates during the summer holidays, check ebay, people are selling them on there for August dates.

rosatoso_2

nickyhutch wrote: »

So you paid what? About £3 for a pair of tickets that cost nearly £80 quid to buy usually. They didn't PROMISE your preferred dates, so I can't see that you're right to complain to them.

It says non-transferable, but everyone swapped on here and on ebay last year, and they don't check ID or anything at the gates, so it really isn't a problem.

If you want free tickets for a particular day, you can save Tesco points and buy them using those. The BOGOFs that will soon be all over teabags, drinks bottles and crisp bags can be used most days, and while not free, are effectively half price.

It's not about being given specific dates, but not being given any dates within the 5 requested periods.

It's easier if you live in the vicinity of Alton Towers to utilise tickets outside of the school holidays (ie easier for you to get there at weekends). But if you have to travel from much further afield like I would have to, it is disappointing to be sent tickets in the middle of September which was never one of my preferences.

Yes, I do have the option to swap, but it is unlikely anyone will swap with me during school holidays for the middle of September I imagine. Have also read on an earlier thread that some people got stung last year swapping on MSE as some people never upheld their part of the bargain, a chance you take I suppose!

It's not about being ungrateful or complaining, but being disappointed.

stacyl1977_2

tony121 wrote: »

I have a pair of adult tickets & pair of child tickets for Sunday 27th sep.

Unfortunately, this date is no good for us, so we'd like to swap for a similar set of tickets (2 adults & 2 kids) for any tuesday in may, June, July or August ...

I have PM'd you. Please take a look and get back to me Thank you

nickyhutch

rosatoso wrote: »

It's not about being given specific dates, but not being given any dates within the 5 requested periods.

It's easier if you live in the vicinity of Alton Towers to utilise tickets outside of the school holidays (ie easier for you to get there at weekends). But if you have to travel from much further afield like I would have to, it is disappointing to be sent tickets in the middle of September which was never one of my preferences.

Yes, I do have the option to swap, but it is unlikely anyone will swap with me during school holidays for the middle of September I imagine. Have also read on an earlier thread that some people got stung last year swapping on MSE as some people never upheld their part of the bargain, a chance you take I suppose!

It's not about being ungrateful or complaining, but being disappointed.[/QUOTE]

The poster I was replying too WAS complaining. She said she'd emailed a complaint to the Sun.

rosatoso_2

But as a consumer, why shouldn't she make a complaint to the Sun if she wants to? Maybe they shouldn't have given people the option of preferred dates then.

The Merlin group don't give out these from the goodness of their hearts, they get free advertising from the biggest selling daily paper. The Sun in turn sells more copies and gets more names and addresses to put on their customer database It's a win, win situation for both.

Anyway, I'm off to spend £3,600 at Tesco to accrue £36 worth of Clubcard Vouchers for a day out at Alton Towers!

lisawood78

But it is only preffered dates, first come and first served, no guarantees.
More people complain the less likely they'll do it again.
All in my opinion of course

rosatoso_2

lisawood78 wrote: »

But it is only preffered dates, first come and first served, no guarantees.
More people complain the less likely they'll do it again.
All in my opinion of course

But then why offer preferred dates then? It can't be on a first come, first served basis because I sent mine off on the very first day after 5 the differently numbered daily ones were published and included the bonus & the online - ie the first available opportunity we could.

Obviously everyone is entitled to an opinion.

lisawood78

But who is to say how many other people did this too with the same amount of haste and efficiency?
Good luck to people swapping, hope you all get the dates you want.

rosatoso_2

lisawood78 wrote: »

But it is only preffered dates, first come and first served, no guarantees.
More people complain the less likely they'll do it again.
All in my opinion of course

That's what I mean, it can't be based on a first come, first served basis then. And we aren't supposed to swap on MSE apparently (have reread the thread again) - so it is a tad frustrating!

I think they are very likely to keep doing it every year, as it benefits both parties involved. That's why as soon as the season starts, kids go free, 2 for 1 offers start springing up from the Merlin Group - they put the promotions out there.