Travel websites do no specify type of economy seats

powertron

Using various online booking sites I've noticed none of them specify which economy flight version you get when you book a hotel/flight package.

On British Airways there is a Economy Basic and a Economy Standard. And Virgin have Economy Light or Classic.

On practically all the booking sites I have tried they just say economy. They probably give you the bog standard cheapest one but that's no good for me because it usually means no check in luggage and no seat choice. It really is a right mess as it means I can not book a hotel/flight package with the economy seat I want.

eDicky

When you see on the booking sites the most suitable route, flight times and price, book on that airline's website with your personal requirements.

Voyager2002

powertron wrote: »

Using various online booking sites I've noticed none of them specify which economy flight version you get when you book a hotel/flight package.

On British Airways there is a Economy Basic and a Economy Standard. And Virgin have Economy Light or Classic.

On practically all the booking sites I have tried they just say economy. They probably give you the bog standard cheapest one but that's no good for me because it usually means no check in luggage and no seat choice. It really is a right mess as it means I can not book a hotel/flight package with the economy seat I want.

Can you not ask?


When my daughter booked such a package (on Expedia), using an airline that does not normally include seat selection and luggage allowance, she was pleasantly surprised to find that both of these "extras" were indeed included.


Otherwise I am sure that these add-ons are available at a price, and the airline should be able to tell you.

Nick_C

Unfortunately, the legacy airlines have had to introduce these basic no frills fares to compete with the long haul low cost carriers on equal terms.

Few people will want to fly long haul with no meals and hand baggage only, although I suppose for a weekend break it could work.

meer53

Don't all airlines offer checked in luggage and seat choice ? I've never been on one that doesn't.

Westin

I think as Voyager2002 said, if not clear you may have to ask.

It would seem that British Airways Holidays, Virgin Holidays, US Airtours, Expedia, TUI and a few others seem to have a deal where checked luggage is included on BA/VS/DI flights.

I would avoid some of the shonky ticket sellers as they certainly won’t be adding the fees to the base fare. In fairness however they will be displaying the cheapest base cost fare, which is what most people seem to search and focus on these days.

Best to contact them in advance of booking if not clear from the website what is being booked.

Nick_C

meer53 wrote: »

Don't all airlines offer checked in luggage and seat choice ? I've never been on one that doesn't.

No. But I'm not sure what your point is?

The comparison sites don't help you to find the cheapest option if you want to choose your seat and check in luggage.

heatherw_01

A lot (not all) of the booking sites use the economy light fare. Some state while going through checkout, others I had to contact them and was told they use economy light.

powertron

I went ahead and booked my holiday via Expedia. At the end for flight options it let me pick Economy Light or Classic for Virgin.

I chose Economy Classic, paid for it etc.

Now in my Expedia email it says Economy Light, so they've given me the cheapest one even though I selected Economy Classic.

I will call them later on, but would I be entitled to a full refund seeing as their website is clearly at fault, appreciate all the replies.

Nick_C

You should have a right to cancel within 24 hours.

Any reason why you booked through Expedia instead of directly with Virgin?

Full-service airlines
To cancel your flight booking, please call us .
Expedia charges a flight cancel fee of GBP25 per passenger and per flight. This is charged in addition to any airline fees.
For some airfares, if you cancel before 11:30 PM (GMT) on the day of booking, no airline cancel fees apply.

https://www.expedia.co.uk/service/#/myTrips/16905

Also

Booking mistakes
If you find an issue with your booking or have multiple itineraries for the same trip, contact us for help. Most airfares can be changed or cancelled without penalty the same day they are booked.

https://www.expedia.co.uk/service/#/articles/589/34/16922

powertron

I booked with expedia because the cost of hotel and flight combined was cheaper than had I gone with Virgin and booked the hotel separately.

I still need to book my holiday so I hope they are able to refund me quite quick. I'll probably book directly with the airline in future.