Flight delay and cancellation compensation, Thomas Cook ONLY

usejean

Caz3121 wrote: »

they cover advance changes in the t&cs (section 14)
https://www.thomascookairlines.com/en/fileadmin/dam/user_upload/tca_tandcs_apr2019_1.pdf
they class anything under 12 hours change as 'minor'
are there other airlines operating the same departure and arrival airport on the same day?

Thanks for replying. Yes 30 minutes earlier than the flight we originally booked with a different airline. Does this help my cause? Prefer to get a refund and change flights if at all possible.

usejean

usejean wrote: »

Thanks for replying. Yes 30 minutes earlier than the flight we originally booked with a different airline. Does this help my cause? Prefer to get a refund and change flights if at all possible.

Any advice? Or am I stuck with the new flight time?

Tyzap

usejean wrote: »

Any advice? Or am I stuck with the new flight time?

This area isn't covered under the 261 regulations as it seems to be a late change to their schedule rather than a delay

I fear that your best bet is to negotiate with the airline and tell them what you would be happy with.

If your'e not happy with the outcome I suggest you contact the CAA PACT team and ask them.

Good luck.

Justice13075

This is what Thomas Cook state in their terms and conditions
*A significant change includes: a change of Flight time that is 12 hours or more, a change of destination
or a change to a different UK departure airport. Any other change will be a minor change, which
means that you will not be entitled to an alternative Flight or a refund

If your flight is not changed more than 12hours after a schedueled flight time or a change in destination or a different airport departure you are not entitled to an alternative flight or a refund so even if there is a flight with a different airline 30 mins before your original flight time you will not qualify for that change. All you can do is ask them nicely to see if they will let you have an alternative flight, but they are under no obligation to do so.

JPears

Hi, I would consider a 10 hour delay, under regulation 261/2004 as qualifying for re-routing by TC, at their expense.
Technically they should re-book you on the alternative airline. But they will probably refuse.
Make sure you make a full record of what was said and with full names, for future reference.

In which case you will need to take matters in to your own hands.
Don't claim a refund, this makes it easier (in their eyes) for the airline to wash their hands of you.
Book the alternative flights and claim the additional cost from TC, under regulation 261/2004. There should be a web form on the site to do this.

JPears

It doesn't actually matter what TC says in its T&Cs if that offers you less in consumer protection, the T&Cs become null and void.
I have a flight back from Marseill in July with KLM. They have decided to stop the last flight back from Amsterdam to Leeds/Bradford, just on a Saturday so they rebooked us on the flight 7 hours earlier. I advised them that isn't convenient and we wanted the late evening on the Friday instead. They balked at that until I quoted regulation 261/2004 at them. And then they tried to charge me more. Of course I refused, again quoting the regulation. KLM really should know better.

Alan_Bowen

Thomas Cooks have admitted they are reducing capacity due to lack of bookings this year, a situation which is fairly obvious if you see the continuing discounts from all the major operators. I suspect the flight has been 'consolidated' three months in advance and I would heed the advice of Justice13075 before booking alternative flights

legal_magpie

I agree with J Pears and others that that they will probably refuse stating their terms and conditions. However, their Terms and Conditions have to be reasonable. I would agree with J Pears that a 10 hour change is unreasonable and that you could refuse to accept it but that you should make your position clear with the airline. If they refuse to budge and won't reroute you themselves, you may have to arrange the alternative flight yourself and if the cost is more claim the cost of the new flight. If the new flight is less, then your claim is for the difference. BUT beware if you are booked to come back with TC because some airlines have a policy of cancelling return flights if a passenger doesn't show up for the outgoing flight. So if you do cancel the outgoing flight make sure that they don't cancel your return (if that's you want)

usejean

Thanks all, just called them and have been offered a change of flight with them, 10% off what we paid (exc. taxes) or a full refund. Gobsmacked as was expecting a battle!

usejean

They’re well crafty though as none of this was in the email notifying me, not even how to get in touch with them!