Help! How do I get my holiday re-instated?

littlereddevil

Surely they aren't entitled to keep more than the deposit?

stephb34

littlereddevil wrote: »

Surely they aren't entitled to keep more than the deposit?

£700 probably is the deposit for a family of 4.

Mr_Wang

budgetflyer wrote: »

Airlines and Tour Opps. They just don't want to help anyone nowadays.

I don't have an answer but I can guarantee, I would be writing to them advising that I was joining the mass exodus of ex customers who no longer wish to do business with them.

High street travel agents - Shafting society for decades.

To all the others that have told the OP "your fault" then why even bother posting on the thread?
He came here for help and advice and on the most part has just been told what he already knows and that it's his fault - Which he had already alluded to.

OP £700 is a tasty sum of money to lose and I would take the advice that someone suggested which is to go and plead mercy. The problem you might have is that the travel agent may have already incurred costs, can you offer repayment of the remaining sum? If you cant his would likely help your case.
If not then ask them to justify the £700, all the idiots that say "its in the terms and conditions" should just be ignored.

In the UK we have statue which provides for situations like yours in the way of UCTA which is the unfair contractual terms act. In other words is it fair that because you missed a date you should lose £700, is it fair to impose this on you. If the travel agent has incurred costs already then probably yes, but if they haven't you have effectively been 'fined' £700.

As suggested go into the TA and explain your situation, speak to the manager as he/she is the only one that can really do anything.
Failing that write to ABTA (i think this is the regulatory body??) but also and importantly log your case with consumer direct http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/Consumerrights/index.htm

It would help if you can settle the balance I would imagine. But certainly all is not lost and whilst others urge you suck it in and walk away I would suggest all is not lost completely - Not yet anyway.

slowboat2china

Just to confirm what i have already posted.

I fully admit and understand that this error is mine and that i shouldnt have forgot about the payment deadline but i did and that is something that cannot be changed now.

I have the money and always did have the money before the deadline lapsed.

I have spoken to the First Choice Customer Service department who have stated that they are unable to re-instate the holiday and i have to write in to the complaints department for them to look into it as they do not take phone calls?!?!?!?

newbutold

slowboat2china wrote: »

Just to confirm what i have already posted.

I fully admit and understand that this error is mine and that i shouldnt have forgot about the payment deadline but i did and that is something that cannot be changed now.

I have the money and always did have the money before the deadline lapsed.

I have spoken to the First Choice Customer Service department who have stated that they are unable to re-instate the holiday and i have to write in to the complaints department for them to look into it as they do not take phone calls?!?!?!?

I would be writing to complaints, explaining the situation and asking them to re-instate the holiday as a gesture of goodwill. Don't lose your calm & throw yourself on their mercy. I hope you get a sympathic person handling your complaint, good luck.

interstellaflyer

It's not ballance 8 weeks before departure, it's 12 weeks certainly the case with Thomson and Thomas Cook allthough last year when we booked through Thomson, they allowed a further 4 weeks, not sure why though, this year we've booked the same holiday and the ballance is due 12 weeks before departure. Also, it has always been the case that if you cancel or fail to pay in full then you loose the deposit

slowboat2china

I thought that i'd keep you updated with what has happended since i first posted.

Sent a nice letter of complaint (if there is such a thing) through to customer services admitting that the whole missed payment was my fault but asking for help as a gesture of goodwill. Received a reply today stating that they would re-instate my booking but added that i might have to pay a little extra. I have called them today and sorted it all out although it cost me a further £200 which is better than the orginal £700 loss.

Thanks for all the advice.

Caz3121

good news - and I wager this is not an error you will make again!

melb

that's great news - I'm really pleased for you

newbutold

slowboat2china wrote: »

I thought that i'd keep you updated with what has happended since i first posted.

Sent a nice letter of complaint (if there is such a thing) through to customer services admitting that the whole missed payment was my fault but asking for help as a gesture of goodwill. Received a reply today stating that they would re-instate my booking but added that i might have to pay a little extra. I have called them today and sorted it all out although it cost me a further £200 which is better than the orginal £700 loss.

Thanks for all the advice.

Well done, just goes to show complaining nicely can help! Enjoy your holiday.