additional flight costs for all inclusive fly/cruise holiday

Onearmbandit280

Just had ROL call and email me saying our ATOL covered APT July  2026 Balkans Cruise now has an additional £502 costs for the flights from Heathrow which were included when we booked and paid the deposit in March 2025. APT T & Cs say tickets are bougt for us once we pay the deposit, yet 5 months alter they are asking for more. Advertising says 'flights included' . No where does any information or T&Cs say they can apply an adhoc increase

I would appreciate any comments/advice

soolin

What does your original paperwork say about what you booked , and how is the total payment itemised? 

eskbanker

Onearmbandit280 said:

Just had ROL call and email me saying our ATOL covered APT July  2026 Balkans Cruise now has an additional £502 costs for the flights from Heathrow which were included when we booked and paid the deposit in March 2025. APT T & Cs say tickets are bougt for us once we pay the deposit, yet 5 months alter they are asking for more. Advertising says 'flights included' . No where does any information or T&Cs say they can apply an adhoc increase

I would appreciate any comments/advice

Have they offered any explanation for the extra cost, or have you asked for one?

Onearmbandit280

I asked for an explanation and stated we had already paid the deposit.. embarrassed ROL C/S agent said they would speak to APT… no reason given…. Just ‘ your flight options’ with free alternatives via Stansted or via Brussells/ Frankfurt!

JGB1955

I wonder if they're claiming that the 'all inclusive' included flights from 'London'.  Stansted is considered a 'London' airport, as are Luton, Gatwick and Southend.

Westin

Do you know if the APT river cruise was sold with flights included, or if ROL purchased just the river cruise element from APT and then added flights themselves to sell to you as a package?

Onearmbandit280

No whole thing sold by APT via ROL

Onearmbandit280

LHr dhown as the airport on our booking confirmation

Westin

I have come across some tour operators who selling forward bookings will ‘ghost/estimate’ the flight elements.  Normally when the travel period is outside of GDS range (330+ days) for schedule airlines, or when low cost carriers have yet to release their flights.  There is normally something mentioned in terms and conditions about the flight element being unconfirmed but with a limit on any increase in price, or a provision to allow you to withdraw if the air element is higher than expected.  Often only a deposit is taken with the confirmed flight price being firmed up when flights released and full payment for the flights made by the customer.

Ocean Holidays are selling 2027 holidays at the moment on VS/BA flights and I suspect doing the above.

I would certainly have expected the tour operator (APT), and/or agent (ROL), to have pointed this out to you, or have mentioned in their terms.

Onearmbandit280

Not mentioned at all…the only T&C states flights will be booked when deposit us paid do fares cannot be guaranteed until then We paid in March and nothing said until today

Westin

The ATOL certificate you mention having, who is shown as the Principal? Does it also show “Package”?