Barclays said it was definitely AA who had not released the authorisation properly. The guy in that department sounded like he knew what he was talking about, but I don't want to apportion blame to AA any more than I have in case they aren't at fault.
I used my visa debit card to avoid extra fees. Whilst booked on aa.com the currency billed was GBP.
Originally Posted by
Often1
You may find this to be even more true should you use a debit card at a hotel or for a car rental. Those facilities will sometimes place holds for not only the anticipated charges, but to protect themselves in case of damages as well.
I'm not sure how this is relevant, an airline is hardly likely to block off another £1400 in case I damage the seat or incur further charges.
Originally Posted by
Often1
The advice above is sound for more reasons than this. You have far greater consumer protections with a credit than a debit card, not the least of which is that at the very absolute worst, you are on the hook for a bit of interest when things need to be sorted, rather than having your funds tied up.
Yes, I realise this, except an airline like AA is unlikely to go bust before I fly. If it had been a less well known or established company I would have paid with a credit card. The reason I didn't was to avoid a service fee.
Originally Posted by
Often1
AA is doing you a substantial courtesy by providing the letter, but it appears that your own bank has handled the issue.
Even assuming they were in the right here, an auto-filled and generated form which they have a standard procedure for is hardly a substantial courtesy, although it may be a courtesy.
Sorted now anyway and the Barclays temporary reversal of the block has gone through. Next time I'll use my credit card and thank you to both.