Unfair terms and conditions that create imbalances in consumer rights wrt flights?

Kyneburgha

Since 25th March it has not been possible to book the still timetabled flights from LGW to Mauritius on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 06/05/2025 to at least 11 November. They show as unavailable to book.

I wanted to add another booking to this flight which is not possible & that's how I discovered this problem.

I have asked AM to cancel my booking so that I can claim a full refund and book us all on a new (BA) flight. They say no as flight is confirmed.

I would book the BA flight now if I was confident that the current situation is unfair and that I could (eventually, maybe even through arbitartion) get a refund..

Advice re legal position would be hugely helpful. Thank you all.

MattMattMattUK

Kyneburgha said:

Since 25th March it has not been possible to book the still timetabled flights from LGW to Mauritius on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 06/05/2025 to at least 11 November. They show as unavailable to book.

I wanted to add another booking to this flight which is not possible & that's how I discovered this problem.

I have asked AM to cancel my booking so that I can claim a full refund and book us all on a new (BA) flight. They say no as flight is confirmed.

I would book the BA flight now if I was confident that the current situation is unfair and that I could (eventually, maybe even through arbitartion) get a refund..

Advice re legal position would be hugely helpful. Thank you all.

Did you book a fully flexible ticket? If not then you have no right to cancel and expect a refund.

Ayr_Rage

Suggest you read this topic, especially the comment by @strawb_shortcake

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6601230/airline-cancelled-flight-and-refuses-to-transfer-us-to-an-alternative-carrier#latest

Reading between the lines don't be surprised the flights aren't bookable as the have been cancelled but you haven't yet been advised.

Legally, you have no right to cancel if you simply cannot add to the booking.

bagand96

There were reports that Ryanair were doing this earlier in the year. 

Flights removed from sale but Ryanair hadn't notified booked pax that it was cancelled. And until they get notified the pax can't plan alternatives. 

It's very disingenuous of the airlines. If a flight is removed from sale then they should also ve notifying booked pax rather than holding their money and bookings. 

Kyneburgha

Thank you all, yes disingenuous certainly covers it and would be good if it were to be outlawed  for other than say 48hrs when systems need updating. Am hopeful that the new timetable will soon be available, current one expired 25th March. My ticket is not flexible and as not until November will hopefully be sorted one way or the other long before then. It is those travelling much sooner who have more reason to be concerned. Tx all for your help.