Originally Posted by
missdimeaner
...
I finally spoke to someone today who said the claim had been denied due to the reason being stated as 'crew'.Nice of them to let me know

I have asked for the case to be appealed as I don't see how a cancellation 9 days out is not avoidable ? certainly not 'exceptional'.
Perhaps I am wrong, I would appreciate any input.
How did you make your initial claim? Did they call you?
In any case 'crew' is not 'extraordinary' and as such your claim should be valid. (They are 'trying it on'.)
I suggest you follow the process as outlined in the first few posts of this thread (especially point 27 of post 1 - athough I'd bypass the CAA and go strait to MoneyClaim if eligble as mentioned in point 36).
(Note that the use of the word 'crew' over the 'phone is not worth the paper it is written on.)