Canadian affair have cocked up our holiday - Help?!?!

fairylights_2

I'm hoping someone can tell me what to do (I hate making decisions like these myself!)

We booked, in December, flights to Montreal and from Toronto for a trip for my OH's 30th birthday gift. We also booked the car parking for Manchester Airport after the flights were confirmed. We booked, in January, the train trip between one and the other, and then a really nice hotel for the overnight in Toronto. We also reserved a beautiful B&B in Montreal for the three nights there. We got confirmation of everything a few weeks back now.

They've rung tonight, whilst I was out, and OH took the message. Apparently the Thomas Cook flight we're due to go out on isn't going that week. They don't start until the week later. They've suggested we go out to Toronto the day we're MEANT to be flying home, and then travel up to Montreal and then home a few days later. Problem is, OH's days off finish the day after we were meant to be coming home.

I'm meant to be calling them tomorrow to reschedule. What can I reasonably expect? He's not got any other spare holidays booked, and won't be able to reschedule the days off. We've even sorted childcare so that we can go without the kids for the first time since our honeymoon. Can I ask them to get us to Montreal on their own cost since they've cocked up? Or do I have to accept that we can't go?

Anyone been through this - or similar?

Lorian

Find alternative flights?

Poppy9

OMG what a nightmare. Don't know where you stand. You could try Trading Standards or ABTA for advice.

For flights try www.airline-network.co.uk

richardw

Read the terms and conditions that apply and see exactly what rights you have, also look at the best alternatives that could be possible, and are available, including https://www.flyzoom.com, BA and Air Canada, then just aim to persuade them to go for the best alternative that suits you.

hammy_the_hammer

i would have a look at pricing alternative flights but sticking to your original arrangements regarding dates and destinations.
this is obviously regarded as a major change.
it would be my own personal opinion that they should provide flights via another carrier ..it would be better though if you could have the exact details of the alternatives as they will possibly want to fob you off with a full refund ( of the flights only ) or alternative dates with the same carrier as they don't lose money this way. without looking and the dates it may be that you have to fly via london but others have given you the links to try ....good luck and remember who is in the wrong with this one

monkeyspanner

As Hammy says I would stick with your original dates for the moment and try to get alternative flights. If you post up what you need I will have a look for you and I'm sure others will do the same. Be sure to post if you have any flexibility at all.
Have you spoken to your insurers, in case it all goes completely pear shaped?

fairylights_2

We're sorted this morning - lengthy call to Canadian affair means the trip is switched over, giving us another overnight in Montreal but meaning we don't have to rejig anything else. Nice seats on the plane and they're paying the parking here since we're going to have to go from Gatwick instead of Manchester.

Such a relief to know we can still go.

richardw

Great - Are you on FlyZoom flights?

fairylights_2

Nope, still Canadian Affair. Let's hope they don't cancel THESE flights too (watch me tempting fate!)

monkeyspanner

Thats brill have a good trip.

IsabelleMedusa

If you have receipts and copy of the bookings made with dates of travel you have paid for, they should either offer you to swap for another product (i know same product different dates) or you can claim your money back as their product is not fit for the purpose of their sale (in this case the dates is the product).
I would arm myself with some kind of consummer support print outon the subject.
Then just surprise the other half with a holiday in Budapest for a fraction of the price.