Car hire cancelled after delayed flight?!

josephine238585

We recently flew to Alicante and had arranged car hire through UK broker Atlas and was assigned Drivalia. Our flight was delayed and when we arrive the Drivalia offices were closed. Stranded at Alicante at 2am with a 2 year old and being 6 months pregnant = not fun!
Had no choice but to take taxi to resort at cost of 140euros.

Contacted Drivalia the next morning and was advised we were a 'no show' so car hire cancelled! Also contacted Atlas who said the same thing, as we hadn't advised them we were going to be late. We were in the air - I'm not sure how they think we could advise anyone?

Both companies saying we have no right to a refund as it's our fault for not letting them know of the delay and they have closed our case (!).

Is there any action I can take other than claiming on our travel insurance?

eDicky

Usually during a car hire booking process your arrival flight number is requested to be entered, so that if there is significant delay the hire firm should be aware of it. In your case did they have your flight number?

josephine238585

hi, yep they had the flight number. I know it showed delayed arrival as my mother was checking as we were due to be at hers a lot earlier than we were!

eDicky

In that case it should be worth initiating a formal complaint with Atlas, or a chargeback or S75 claim with your card provider, unless the T&Cs specifically negate their responsibility to take notice of the flight delay by flight number. I don't know what your chances are - others might...

josephine238585

thank you.... going to write a complaint letter tonight to both Atlas & Drivalia and see if it gets us anywhere.