Olympic Holidays Changed flight and Day

spheric

This one really is ludicrous...

If Olympic's position (that they can change flight times as much as they like as long as each time they do it its <12h from the previous time) were correct; they could make 168 1hr changes and move you a week later with no consequence.

Ignoring ABTA's rules, you have a contract with them to take you on holiday to XYZ destination, at T time on D Date. In theory, any change to this would count as a breach of contract, unless the T&Cs allow them to do so.

If Olympics Terms really do say that they can change things as often as they like without limit then it's very likely that the contract term would be found unfair if tested in court. The Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations (1999) say that:

5-1 A contractual term which has not been individually negotiated shall be regarded as unfair if, contrary to the requirement of good faith, it causes a significant imbalance in the parties' rights and obligations arising under the contract, to the detriment of the consumer.

I'd argue that a term allowing them to change the date/time of a flight as many times as they like, as much as they like, subject to them working in <12h steps amounts to a rather massive imbalance in rights, given that they don't give *you* the right to change dates/times without penalty.

I'd be reading them the riot act over the phone, and again in writing here. I believe they're trying it on with you, and can barely believe they could ever have thought they'd get away with this.

I should probably disclaim: I'm not a Lawyer, and this is not Legal Advice.

bagand96

It is rediculous. They are trying to weasle out of it. I am sure ABTA will back you up.

Olympic are now using Jet2 as well and their code is ls.

From regional airports they are taking seats on many charter/low cost carriers. From BHX, MAN, or LGW however, where passenger numbers mean they can charter whole flights in their own right... you'll generally end up on one of their fly-by-night carriers!

sketchy19

Thanks for all your help and advice.

After lots of arguing emails and phone calls to ABTA, Consumer direct and small claims court.

Olympic have as a gesture of good will (i not sure they had much choice) decided to cancel the holiday without any charges so i can re-book with a differnt operator.

Woo hoo

Thanks again for all your help and advice