Flight only booked through Opodo

SJordan

I would appreciate any help as a newcomer - I'm definitely a little naive with technology! I looked at booking flights to Paphos in October half term using Skyscanner. The flights I was interested in took me through to a company called Opodo. They gave me a price for the return journey - out with Thomas Cook and back with TUI which I accepted. The next day, Thomas Cook airlines debited my account for the outward flight and I now find out that there never was any space on the TUI flight quoted. They should never have even suggested it as it has not been released. I cannot get back to East Midlands now hence the outward flight is useless. I have tried to contact Opodo - this is difficult as they hide their customer service well. Eventually they emailed to say that I needed to cancel directly with Thomas Cook. Thomas Cook will not accept my cancellation as they say their data policy means that whoever booked it, in this case Opodo, must cancel it! I so confused! How do Opodo get away with offering a return flight that doesn't exist to lure you in? Thank you anybody for your help...

bagand96

Opodo have good form in this type of thing, their website isn't always live. Quite often they'll not have a live price and ring you the next day with the old "Sorry the flight price has increased" story.

However you seem to be incredibly unfortunate that they've offered you different airlines and successfully booked an outbound but then not an inbound.

You need to refer to both theirs and the airline's T&C's that you agreed to at the time of booking. I fear for you that your Thomas Cook flight booking will be non-refundable and they will stand by that.

However, get back in touch with opodo and demand they this was their problem and they need to sort and speak to Thomas Cook. It is correct that only the travel agent can amend a booking they have made.

Have you looked at other options to get back to East Midlands on your date? Flights with other airlines? Thomas Cook, Jet2, directly with TUI?

SJordan

I appreciate your reply. I did try to book with TUI directly, but they won’t release a one way flight as this a chartered flight and they want to ensure they sell the flight as a return. The other airlines only offer flights at a price that we would never have booked putting the holiday out of our range I’ve emailed Opodo again but I fear I have made a huge mistake. Never again!

bagand96

Their T&C's have a lot of get outs, basically saying the contract is between you and the Travel Provider, they only make a booking on your behalf etc.

They say your ability to cancel will be based on the Travel Supplier's T&Cs, which is why I said I worry for you that the Thomas Cook flight might be non-refundable.

Couldn't find anything in relation to them not being able to complete a booking but I'm sure it will be in there somewhere and I'm sure they try and absolve themselves of any responsibility.

I would keep trying to actually speak to someone at Opodo and be firm and insistent that you want them to resolve this. They say they have a 24/7 call centre and list an 0800 number.

You could also try posting on their Facebook or Twitter - they seem to reply on Twitter.

PeacefulWaters

What one way options does skyscanner offer from Paphos to nearby airports?

You could book one (directly with the airline, not through a link) of those instead if there's availability.