FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS: Volcano ash from Iceland hits UK flight plans

valera_2

Sidekick2 wrote: »

thank you this is very useful :-)
so does this mean you get a refund on the whole package deal, not just the flight? I was worried they would only offer a flight refund. If a full refund is available this is great news.

what about the situation when booking via expedia involves 3 airlines (bmi, british airlines and egypt air)? would it be enough to have a cancellation from the first airline to get the full refund?

retrocircles

Does anyone actually think that the weather will move the ash cloud on before next weekend? As 'zaax' says above, the weather predicts no change in wind direction. So it's likely to still be with us.

Should people wait a week stranded somewhere for a rescheduled flight, with the possibility of being in the same situation in a week's time... or just try to get home via land straight away?

I don't know what to tell my Mum to do!!!

wealdroam

Jonw wrote: »

i am never going with virgin again. Most other insurance companies are helping people but virgin wont do ANYTHING! wish i hadnt of gone with them now.

I think you'll find that most insurance companies are not helping people. :beer:

silvercar

retrocircles wrote: »

My Mum is stranded in Gran Canaria. She was supposed to be coming home after today after 2 weeks there. The next available flight is next Sunday to a different return airport. It would have been a week Wednesday to come back to the departure airport.

My Mum is a teacher, she called her Headteacher who was quite annoyed to hear she won't be in school tomorrow & even suggested her travel insurance to pay for the supply teacher who will have to cover her class! My Mum is now quite stressed about that as the insurance state they won't cover anything, as it's an 'act of God'.

apt wrote: »

Sounds like an understanding employer! Your mother will not be liable for the costs of the supply teacher. However, she may not be paid for the period she is absent. That would depend on her contract of employment, and if there is a clause in the contract, whether the employer decides to enforce that clause.

Teacher's contract of employment exclude the right to take holiday during term time, so there is no way it would be allowed as leave. The employer could decide that the leave should be unpaid, or they may accept that the event is outside her control and be generous and pay her.

Her insurer would not be liable for the costs of a supply teacher and nor would she.

Risinfromthegutter

Hi,

I have got through to Ryanair eventually, and |I can change my flights scheduled for tomorrow to next week.

This would mean changing my accomodation back a week, i have booked through Sun 4U direct, and am having serious problems getting in touch with them today.

Would I be liable for any costs for pushing me accomodation/transfers back a week?

linznel

we were due to travel back from our package holiday from benidorm with thomas cook yesterday but have now been told that they are sending us back by coach and if we refuse then ee are on our own. We have a 7 month old baby and a 9 year old girl and find that a 30+ hour journey stuck on a coach with our baby on our knee to be the ultimate nightmare.
What are our rights and opions if any?
Will food and drink be provided as we have not been told anything.
Thank you in advance

funkydresser

Jonw wrote: »

i am never going with virgin again. Most other insurance companies are helping people but virgin wont do ANYTHING! wish i hadnt of gone with them now.

I so agree with Jonw - I also will not be using
Virgin again.

When I eventually got through to the travel insurance department I was informed THE UNDERWRITERS HAVE DECIDED VOLCANIC ASH IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POLICY AND THEREFORE WE WILL NOT BE PAYING OUT.:mad:
When my daughter returns from San Francisco (hopefully Saturday) I will be contacting Virgin Money and asking them to cancel the policy and refund the reminder of the annul policy value.

As for Virgin Atlantic - I have been a huge fan of Virgin for years, (presently have a silver reward card with them) and so was horrified:eek: to learn how inconsiderate they have been during this crisis, their representatives at airports are simply telling people there is nothing they can do as they are not responsible, therefore all Virgin Atlantic passengers have been left without accommodation & food thus proving Virgin Atlantic don't fufill the 'Care For' policy.

It appers they have not considered that not everyone can afford to check into a hotel, feed themselves and then wait to claim the money back when they return home.

Somehow I don't think the Upper Class passengers will have been dismissed in the same way the Economy passengers have.

Definately I will be looking for a different airline in the future for my personal travels.

Our friends are in Magaluf and has been 'CARED FOR' extremely well by Easyjet who have provided hotel accomodation and full board facilities in a 4* hotel.
Well done Easyjet:beer:

To Cityboy - A huge bundle of THANKS YOU'S:T

apt

Risinfromthegutter, whether you would be liable for additional costs will depend on whether there is a cancellation or alteration charge by Sun 4U direct. If they are allowed to impose a charge and choose to do so you should contact your travel insurance company to see if your policy covers this.

silvercar

linznel wrote: »

we were due to travel back from our package holiday from benidorm with thomas cook yesterday but have now been told that they are sending us back by coach and if we refuse then ee are on our own. We have a 7 month old baby and a 9 year old girl and find that a 30+ hour journey stuck on a coach with our baby on our knee to be the ultimate nightmare.
What are our rights and opions if any?
Will food and drink be provided as we have not been told anything.
Thank you in advance

They are offering you alternative transport. It is not ideal, but this is not an ideal situation. Accepting that you wouldn't have chosen this, you have little option but to take it or find your own way back.

tiff

I dont think you can afford to be picky, I would be looking to go overland if I were you so this is your best option in these circumstances.