Thomas Cook effectively cancelling my summer holiday - advice needed

SarahMcA

Thank you again for taking the time to respond and I do understand there are differing opinions about what Thomas Cook should do. I remain adamant that they should be more benevolent and help more. It's a total nightmare getting through to customer services but the two times I have spoken to them there was literally nothing they could offer that was vaguely similar to what I had booked and I mean totally nothing. I will of course now be looking for other options but I refuse to go quietly and accept that Thomas Cook have behaved in a reasonable manner and I do intend to give them a hard time because I am massively aggrieved by their dismissive attitude. Theoretically I still have flights to Corfu and have suggested that I keep those and put the rest of the money towards accommodation but they won't entertain that idea as I booked a package. I generally do things independently but thought this would be an easier option mmmm obviously not!

budgetflyer

Thats why 20 years ago I stopped booking packages.
Not only have I saved thousands of Pounds, but have also had complete control over where, when and with who I have booked.

Offering Turkey as an alternative because 1 hotel in Corfu is not available is mind bogglingly moronic.
There must be other options in corfu surely?

stephb34

tomtontom wrote: »

Given your previous posts it appears you work for Thomas Cook. Perhaps you could help the OP by escalating their complaint?

I do work for TC in a small shop on the high street. I'm afraid there's not a lot I can do other than offer advice, we only deal with complaints in our own shop, we can't access any internet or phone bookings our database isn't that large.
Without knowing all the details its hard to give help, although it does appear to be a TC package which means if they've booked Corfu then an alternative hotel in Corfu of the same star rating or better should be offered, which is why I don't understand Turkey being mentioned and if that isn't acceptable generally a full refund is issued.
Where was the holiday booked Sarah, TC shop, internet or phone?

SarahMcA

I booked on line and they said there was nothing at all available in Corfu. That's not entirely true when looking at the Thomas Cook website but it's either Kavos or something much more expensive. I think the frustrating thing is the total inability to communicate and getting them to see that to me this a pretty major deal. Seemingly this has happened to lots of people, there's no complaints procedure prior to departure, and it's basically tough!

stephb34

Right Sarah post us what you booked ie airport, date, duration, how much, how many people, board basis etc, I haven't got time to trawl the low cost carriers and DIY but someone else may have, then if we find you what you want you can tell TC to refund your money if they don't offer you accom in Corfu and book the alternative

photome

OP have you sorted anything

SarahMcA

Thank you again to everyone who helped me out with their advice. My mother has been ill so I've been focussing on that but the good news is that (hopefully) I have sorted something out - flights with Ryan air and am awaiting confirmation of an apartment. It's been a struggle getting my money refunded by Thomas Cook but hopefully that will be sorted imminently. Am now in discussion regarding the compensation they offered which they now won't pay but I hope to be seeing some Corfu sun this summer!

stephb34

SarahMcA wrote: »

Thank you again to everyone who helped me out with their advice. My mother has been ill so I've been focussing on that but the good news is that (hopefully) I have sorted something out - flights with Ryan air and am awaiting confirmation of an apartment. It's been a struggle getting my money refunded by Thomas Cook but hopefully that will be sorted imminently. Am now in discussion regarding the compensation they offered which they now won't pay but I hope to be seeing some Corfu sun this summer!

Glad you're getting Corfu. You don't normally get compensation if you cancel and get your money back, as you've got your money back, the compensation is because you're having a different holiday with Thomas Cook and not the one you booked. You could push for a discount voucher off your next holiday if its with Thomas Cook, they may give you one of them to try and keep your future business.