Thomson Flight Delay - Defending Claim

vegaswench

I'm looking for a little help/advise/experience regarding my claim against Thomson Airways.

3 of us were delayed for 4hrs 27 mins coming back from Corfu Airport back in 2010.

I applied for delay compensation to Thomson in early 2013 & was rejected due to the 2 year rule, I complained again & was just flatly rejected.

I wrote to the Greek CAA who found out: 'The flight was delayed due to unexpected technical reason (fault on engine hydraulic pump) which is considered as an exceptional circumstance' So I just left it after this reply.

I have complained again (Feb 2015) as after the Nov 2014 court cases technical faults cannot be used as an excuse to deny compensation, but I was just ignored, so entered a small claims court against them which they are defending (I have never done anything like this before by the way!) so now I am a bit nervous!

Will I have to attend court? And as the letter from the Greek CAA says 'unexpected technical reason (fault on engine hydraulic pump) which is considered as an exceptional circumstance' will I automatically lose? I don't understand how it is 'exceptional' and am unsure as to continue my claim. I have aske the Greek CAA to clarify the comments if they are able, but as yet I have not had a reply.

This is more to do with the arrogance of Thomson and the way they are treating customers now. The letters I have had from them have all been very dismissive; if they had apologised initially it wouldn't be too bad, but they also lied to us regarding why the plane was delayed.

I don't see why the 'little people' like me should back down just because they don't want to pay up! I am and have been a very regular traveller with Thomson over numerous years and have seen the decline in service, and yet they still make millions! I have never complained about a holiday before and at times I probably should of, but this one has my hackles up!

Any help or advise on what/where to go now would very much be appreciated.

Caz3121

Everything you need to know is in Vauban's excellent guide https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5173888

vegaswench

Thank you, sorry I'm new to this. Appreciate your help.

Vauban

Don't worry vegaswench: we were all new to this once, and inspired by precisely the same kind of indignation you describe. Have a read of my guide - and try to find the "Court Success Thread" (which has fallen into abeyance, but is full of uplifting stories of the little wo/man winning out) - and then get ready to waltz!

Tyzap

vegaswench wrote: »

I'm looking for a little help/advise/experience regarding my claim against Thomson Airways.

I wrote to the Greek CAA who found out: 'The flight was delayed due to unexpected technical reason (fault on engine hydraulic pump) which is considered as an exceptional circumstance' So I just left it after this reply.

Will I have to attend court? And as the letter from the Greek CAA says 'unexpected technical reason (fault on engine hydraulic pump) which is considered as an exceptional circumstance' will I automatically lose? I don't understand how it is 'exceptional' and am unsure as to continue my claim. I have aske the Greek CAA to clarify the comments if they are able, but as yet I have not had a reply.

Any help or advise on what/where to go now would very much be appreciated.

You do not need to worry about the letter from Greek CAA, I'd just forget all about it. You do not need it as the Exceptional Circumstance issue has been cleared up in the English Courts so they cannot win with that reasoning.

Follow the good advice already given and you'll be okay.

Good luck.

vegaswench

Thank you all so very much for your help & support - it is really appreciated.

vegaswench

Dear All

Just wanted to say a big thank you for all your help, yesterday I received a cheque from Thomson for my flight delay, this was after lodging a small claims court case to them, even when they said they were going to defend it on the final day they filed admittance - so for all of you who think you have lost, keep trying!

stevemej

vegaswench wrote: »

Dear All

Just wanted to say a big thank you for all your help, yesterday I received a cheque from Thomson for my flight delay, this was after lodging a small claims court case to them, even when they said they were going to defend it on the final day they filed admittance - so for all of you who think you have lost, keep trying!

Thanks for coming back and letting us know. i suspect they were just hoping to drag it out past 6 years.