Holiday Booked and Then Price Changed by Travel Agent

antony_l

Hi,

Booked a holiday 6 days ago (about £5k) with a decent travel agent (ABTA/ATOL etc) for a holiday next year. Received the usual web confirmation/deposit payment receipt immediately (phase 1) on placing the order and then the full booking confirmation and final details a few days later (phase 2).

I have just been advised that there was a pricing error and the price has gone up £600.

In 'normal' consumer law I would be protected from such events - after receiving a confirmed order (phase 2 for sure - arguably at phase 1).

I am sure there will be terms in their terms of trade, to allow them to do what ever they like, but consumer law would take precedents. How do I stand?

If its deemed that a contract does not exist yet, when would it - it could mean that until we actually fly out the price could be changed?

Many thanks for any input.

stevenhp1987

Depends on the terms & conditions of the agent.

This is fairly common, and most agents will have clauses detailing that contracts are not final until they are ticketed (or similar). A booking confirmation is not a ticket.

If that's the case then there's not much you can do other than agreeing to the extra £600 or taking your money elsewhere!

Which agent is it?

getmore4less

Package holiday regulations should cover such a price change, full refund.

antony_l

Thanks for the replys, happy to share the Travel agent details later.

A refund has been offered, so that it not the problem, I want them to stick to the price.

Your would have thought that a confirmation booking invoice and deposit would amount to something.

So it sounds like there is no consumer law to help on this one and I am at the mercy on the companies terms of trade. Which as most travel agent terms appear to allow any price changes up until 30 days before the holiday I think.

I wish I could get away with this is my day job retailing sports equipment, sales of good act does not allow such practice.......

cubegame

Just as a point of clarity.....there is no such thing as a decent travel agent.....even if their marketing suggests there is!

koalakoala

I don't think it's right either. if you agree a deal that should be it.
Take a refund and look elsewhere