First Choice Flight

Becles

We recently returned from a First Choice holiday. After being split up for the journey on a previous long haul flight, when we made the holiday booking, we paid extra for group seating to guarentee seats together.

On arrival at Cancun airport, when we checked in, we were told there were no blocks of 4 seats together. I explained to the man that I had paid for group seating, but he said I must not have as we were not on the group seating passenger list. I had the original invoice with me that clearly stated the group booking, but he refused to accept this.

Luckily a First Choice representative was in the airport, so I managed to talk to her. She had a word with the check in staff and sorted it out. We were told we would have to wait until the whole flight had checked in then they would move people around to give us our 4 seats together. We had to stand at the side of the check in desk for ages, while they checked the rest of the time (Mexicans don't work fast!).

After everyone else had gone, they spent ages looking at the screen and finally decided who to move. We were given bording cards with seats 20A&B, and 21A&B, and told the couple sitting in one pair of these seats would be given new bording cards/seats at the gate.

By this time, the gate had opened for bording, so we had to run down to the departures, through security etc., and run to the gate.

On arrival at the gate, we joined the queue to get on the plane. The man from check in pulled us out as we reached the front of the queue. He said the people in row 21 refused to move, so he scribbled out the seat numbers and said he thought there were 2 seats in row 15. I complained and said that was unfair, but he simply said it wasn't his problem and walked off!

When I got on the plane, I explained what had happened and we didn't know where 2 people where supposed to be sitting. I explained about the group seating problem, and what had happened so far. We were told to stand in an alcove by the middle doors, while the plane staff moved some people around so we could have the 4 seats together. It was embarrassing as everyone was staring at us

I was really stressed and annoyed by the time we were seated. After paying extra for an easier service, it was nothing but hassle due to First Choice missing our details off the original group seating passenger list :mad:

littlereddevil

Write a letter of complaint they ususally give out £50 for a good old moan

Ali_UK

Make sure you right straight away and ask for your original group seating fee to be returned as although you did eventually get seated together it was not without inconvenience and embarrassment. Maybe add on that you would like them to consider compensating you for this also.

Other than that did you have a nice time! (did you go to Playa del Carmen?)

bylromarha

Happy return from honeymoon!

Sorry to hear you had that hassle. I'd ask first choice for a CASH refund of your group booking fee, else they'll try and palm you off with First choice vouchers.

My MIL paid extra for their upgrade on a long haul and didn't get the service at all, had to write 3 times, returning what first choice had sent 3 times until they finally got their cash refund for the service. Stick it out until they give you a cash refund at least.

Becles

Yes I did go to Playa Del Carmen. It's was fabulous and I'm already saving to go back

It's a smashing town full of lovely little shops, bars and restaurants, and the beaches are beautiful. Locals are friendly and the traditional Mexican food is gorgeous. Highly recommended place to visit!

Thanks for the tips. Will write a letter and see what happens.