Easyjet holidays but is it classed as a package?

miamoo

I am looking to book something for July when my sons on leave. I want to book a package so I have the security if the ash cloud remains or gets worse. Easyjet now advertise holidays, but its so confusing, is this actually a package holiday if I book flight/hotel/transfer through them?
If not then who does package holidays other than the big tour opperators? (thomson/first choice/thomas cook/direct holidays/virgin)
Thanks

richardw

BTW http://www.ipplondon.co.uk/easyjet-EN.asp

miamoo

Thanks, so it is a package. Does that mean that Easyjet will have an obligation to pay for meals/accomodation etc as thomson/thomas cook do if I was to be stuck abroad due to the ash?

richardw

A bit from wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easyjet#Criticism

richardw

miamoo wrote: »

Thanks, so it is a package.

Just sounds like airline failure insurance.

apt

miamoo wrote: »

Thanks, so it is a package. Does that mean that Easyjet will have an obligation to pay for meals/accomodation etc as thomson/thomas cook do if I was to be stuck abroad due to the ash?

Any airline has this obligation in the EU whether you have bought a package or not. But in these circumstances you are often in a better position as a customer of an experienced tour operator - be it on a package or fly-only - as they will have the reps and resources on the ground to look after you by providing transport and accommodation during the delay. With a lo-cost airline you usually have to queue up for at the airport handling agents. Sometimes they will make good arrangements, but often you just get permission to make your own arrangements and claim back later. But in the great majority of cases things don't go wrong and you can pay more and have less choice if you book a package with one of the big tour operators.

busiscoming2

My POV:

We were stuck abroad in the last ash cloud, flights were with EJ and acommodation booked separately. EJ were brilliant, put us in hotels and then as we could go back to our SC acomodation (next people couldn't get there) they refunded us all our food, drink (not alcohol) and travel costs upon our return.

I think you are probably only better off if you book a package and then can't fly out because of Ash, as the Tour operator then has a duty to move the flights and acommodation or refund you. If you have booked a non package you may be out of pocket if you can't use the acommodation.

miamoo

Thanks everyone, I wouldnt hesitate usually in booking everything seperatley. But I think on this occasion I'm going to stick with one of the big Tour Ops. Thanks again