Virgin Atlantic - Cancelling flights

bobweston

Hi there,

I'd be grateful for any assistant or advice I could get here.

I'd booked a holiday/flights to America with Virgin Atlantic with my girlfriend later in the year, in July.

Unfortunately me and my girlfriend have split up, so I'm not going to America with her now.

Virgin say they are unable to offer a full refund, only a refund of the taxes (about £250), whereas the full flights are £800. The ticket is an 'Any time' ticket. The other option is I get my flights changed to anywhere else in the World for a £50 admin fee, before March 2013.

I would prefer to get a refund as £800 is a lot of money to lose.

Virgin are unwilling to transfer the flights into another name, or try to resell them it seems.

Has anyone else had any similar experiences, or able to offer any (useful) advice? Thank you.

Louisdf

Whilst it is annoying for you to lose this money, unless you book a flexible fare (which is usually a lot more than £400 return) most flights are sold as non-refundable, which you agreed to before you paid. This is always the risk you take when booking the cheapest fare. Some airlines may offer credit for a future booking on compassionate grounds (ie. family bereavement, serious illness) but I don't think splitting up with a girlfriend falls into this category.

bobweston

Thanks Louis. I feared it'd be something like that.

blindman

Thinking outside the box;)

1. Is it feasable for you both to take the flights then go separate ways in the US?

You could maybe both get a mate to go with you (obviously they have to pay for another flight)

Just a thought

bobweston

Thanks Blindman. All options are interesting at this stage. I've just had some very positive comments about San Francisco, which interests me.

Ideally I'd like a friend to go with me, but I don't think my group of friends will be able to afford the kind of cash we're talking about here. I think I'd get bored/depressed on my own!

Dunroamin

bobweston wrote: »

Thanks Blindman. All options are interesting at this stage. I've just had some very positive comments about San Francisco, which interests me.

Ideally I'd like a friend to go with me, but I don't think my group of friends will be able to afford the kind of cash we're talking about here. I think I'd get bored/depressed on my own!

Be brave and go on your own - you'll have a great time and meet lots of new people.

basil92

Dunroamin wrote: »

Be brave and go on your own - you'll have a great time and meet lots of new people.

I agree:D

Much better than wasting the £800 you've spent on flights. Just go and enjoy yourself:)

blindman

Dunroamin wrote: »

Be brave and go on your own - you'll have a great time and meet lots of new people.

I would also agree with this. Hence why I said you could go together but split on landing.

No idea of your age (or where you're going) but the US is a great place and (mostly) friendly

Voyager2002

bobweston wrote: »

Thanks Blindman. All options are interesting at this stage. I've just had some very positive comments about San Francisco, which interests me.

Ideally I'd like a friend to go with me, but I don't think my group of friends will be able to afford the kind of cash we're talking about here. I think I'd get bored/depressed on my own!

It is VERY easy to meet people and make friends in the USA.

Come to that, there are various on-line resources (including dating sites, but lots of other possibilities) that you could use to find friends and travelling companions before you begin your journey.

CountryGoose

Can they be really creative with you and let you have both tickets? Ie. Fly one now in July and then pay £50 and fly one next year?

Flying alone isn't such a big problem - you'll soon find people to be with. If off to the West Coast, take yourself off to Vegas for a few days.

bobweston

I think Vegas on my own would fry my mind. I'd need to take my attorney with me.