Expedia inform me my flight on June 10th to Joberg is cancelled. What now?

olliemw

Hi there,

This is my first post on here but I honestly don't know what to do.

I booked a flight from Lisbon to Jo'berg to depart on Thurs June 10th 2010 in December for the world cup. I paid in full through Expedia, and the flight was with flight company TAP with the carrier actually being South African airlines. I thought everything was cool until today when I received an email saying there was a major schedule change.

So I called them to find out and they informed me South African airlines had cancelled the flight for that day and there were no other flights that day. The woman then offered me a refund, but that will not cover the amount that it will now cost me to get to South Africa. The woman said she was going to see what she could do and call me back tomorrow. I also have a flight that I spent £100 to get from heathrow to lisbon.

So, what I wanted to know is where do I stand with regards to this, I've tried to check the T's and C's but they're not clear. They do state that

"Carriers reserve the right to change the flight schedule at any time prior to departure."

But surely they can't just do this...or can they?

Any thoughts or shared experiences would be really helpful

dmg24

What was the flight number?

olliemw

SA South African Airways
Flight: 7000
Operated by: TAP PORTUGAL

dmg24

There are indirect flights available with other Star Alliance airlines (Turkish and Egyptair) - have you asked about transferring?

olliemw

Yes it's another option, but by far and away a less than desirable one as it's going to add another 7 hours onto my journey time. I've just been on skyscanner and if I wanted to I could book the flight again, I could do for 3k(2,500 pounds more than what I paid. Also, a flight which leaves and arrives at the same time, that is with TAP now has a different flight number. It all seems a bit fishy to me, like we've been bumped so they can make more money from late bookers

olliemw

I should also point out am I the programme controller for quite a large radio station within a very large radio group. Would it be worth using a threat of negative publicity over this matter or will I just sound like a wally?

cybergibbons

olliemw wrote: »

I should also point out am I the programme controller for quite a large radio station within a very large radio group. Would it be worth using a threat of negative publicity over this matter or will I just sound like a wally?

I always think it is best not to cloud complaints with information like that, unless you've already pushed it as far as you can.

I'd opt for the awkward, long route, and try to get some goodwill in some form. I think it's more about being there than the journey, especially with the world cup.

richardw

Do you have a through ticket, or two separate tickets?

olliemw

2 seperate tickets. One from Heathrow to Lisbon with booked seperately with BA and then this one

dmg24

olliemw wrote: »

Yes it's another option, but by far and away a less than desirable one as it's going to add another 7 hours onto my journey time. I've just been on skyscanner and if I wanted to I could book the flight again, I could do for 3k(2,500 pounds more than what I paid. Also, a flight which leaves and arrives at the same time, that is with TAP now has a different flight number. It all seems a bit fishy to me, like we've been bumped so they can make more money from late bookers

It gets you there - surely that is the important factor?

olliemw wrote: »

I should also point out am I the programme controller for quite a large radio station within a very large radio group. Would it be worth using a threat of negative publicity over this matter or will I just sound like a wally?

You will just sound like a wally.

olliemw

Aye, thought it might, ha