Originally Posted by
A Man Ray Kind Of Sky
Firstly, although well travelled as I'm sure you are, you weren't there at the time and didn't know how much anywhere but the worst hotels in LA were hiking their prices by during the ash cloud incident. I could have easily spent a lot more per night, but didn't as I was right at the top of our 'means'. A lesser hotel (based on stars and reviews) down the street was charging $600 per night for a smaller room. We didn't "feel we must have" such a hotel, we "decided we wanted" it.
No you're quite right, I wasn't there (luckily got back to the UK a day before the volcano erupted). But, yes, I did hear that some hotels, car rental agencies, etc were ripping people off for their own advantage. It's a shame that airlines are being forced to pay for their greed.
Originally Posted by
A Man Ray Kind Of Sky
Secondly, you also have no knowledge of the problems that my wife has been suffering during the pregnancy - suffice to say a 'normal sized' bath doesn't work at the moment.
Also correct. No offence was meant specifically to your wife so my apologies it was taken that way.
Originally Posted by
A Man Ray Kind Of Sky
When I checked into the hotel I was doing so with the knowledge that I may have to pick up the whole bill myself and, as I said, I at no point asked BA to cover all of the costs. That they did so was a superb gesture in unprecedented times.
I did comment that I appreciated this was what you said in your original post. And I agree it was a nice gesture.
Originally Posted by
A Man Ray Kind Of Sky
I have only kept my details vague as I wouldn't like to think anyone could 'quote' my situation and take the piss by asking for the full amount by citing a bag of lies. My letter even contained photocopies of my wife's medical notes to back up what I was writing.
I accept that, but unfortunately human nature being as it is means some will try it on as a result of what they read people are getting through Flyer Talk and other IBB's.
Originally Posted by
A Man Ray Kind Of Sky
I was just saying that, in this situation, BA has really gone above and beyond to help a customer in need. I also wanted to highlight that a nice approach can often work better than a nasty one - something you, Sunrisegirl should appreciate more than most.
I'm glad BA has helped you to such an extent and think they've given you wonderful customer service. And of course I understand that the nice approach works better.
My concern is twofold, firstly I'm sure that some will try it on with lies and photoshopped receipts, etc even before seeing how much you received. However, in no way are you to blame for human nature.
My other concern is personal and one you're probably not interested in. The amount of money the volcano has cost BA when we are already in financial difficulties worries the heck out of me. Staff at LGW have been under the threat of redundancy and have been for about 2 years now - we've lost lots of staff already to VR and still need to lose more. If you'd had that hanging over your head, perhaps you might be similarly concerned that BA is paying out such large sums.
Once again, no offence was meant to your wife and my apologies to you for that.