OT: VLM is a noddy airline after all
So I'm posting this on here because a number of us are fans of LCY/VG and the only activity in the Other European Airlines forum is tumbleweed. Please indulge me?
I had a day return planned from LCY-LPL in a couple of weeks time, booked back in October. Today I received a call to say that they had cancelled my 0815h outbound and rebooked me on the next scheduled flight at 1745h. The problem is my return flight was at 1600h! When I called up they admitted the original flight had been canned for that one day only because of a light load - I honestly thought only the likes of FR did that sort of crap? I asked whether they would rebook me to MAN as I could see availability online, but the answer was that a re-route was not possible (real answer, the fare for the re-route was approx £30 more than I had paid). So I said you will have to refund me then. Fine, he said, but it will be less your £4 booking fee because you have chosen to cancel!!! :mad: :mad: He tried trotting out the standard "I don't make up the rules, sir" line but even he could see it was ridiculous so put me on hold while he got permission to request a 100% refund. So I am left crawling back to BA for a last minute fare to MAN. The real problem however is that I had car hire booked out of LPL and so far I can'f find any availability at MAN. So thanks, VG, you have ruined my Christmas visit to see my grandmother. Book at your peril - I have learned my lesson.:td: [Rant over] |
How annoying!
I have found VLM on LCY-LPL far more trouble than they're worth... cancelling a "fully flexible" business class ticket still somehow cost me more than £30. Next time: go Virgin if you're anywhere near Euston. Quick, cheap and convenient. |
Originally Posted by ajax
(Post 6790382)
How annoying!
I have found VLM on LCY-LPL far more trouble than they're worth... cancelling a "fully flexible" business class ticket still somehow cost me more than £30. Next time: go Virgin if you're anywhere near Euston. Quick, cheap and convenient. |
Now they are telling me it will 4-5 weeks for a refund "because they have to reclaim the tax from the authorities before they pay me"! Is this airline running with negative working capital? :mad: :mad:
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Originally Posted by aristoph
(Post 6801899)
Now they are telling me it will 4-5 weeks for a refund "because they have to reclaim the tax from the authorities before they pay me"! Is this airline running with negative working capital? :mad: :mad:
Do you know how long it can take to get a refund out of BA? :confused: |
Originally Posted by Smirnoff
(Post 6801903)
Do you know how long it can take to get a refund out of BA? :confused:
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Originally Posted by aristoph
(Post 6801905)
Well the two I have applied for from BA appeared within 2 business days so I have no complaints against them.
If you've made any changes to the original booking, it can be weeks if not months. |
Still, I can't imagine BA telling me I need to wait till they claim back the taxes from the authorities. :rolleyes: (Plus I can't imagine airlines pre-pay on duty in any case?)
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Crikey, I have always used them for weekends to Manchesterford from LCY and have never had a problem. My only worry is flying on those ancient Fokker thingies and making sure i get a seat in the back because those props are sure noisey.
I too would be :mad: If you are cancelling though, make sure you ask them to refund not only your fare, but the Passenger Service Tax, otherwise they'll keep it. |
Originally Posted by VC10 Boy
(Post 6801993)
Crikey, I have always used them for weekends to Manchesterford from LCY and have never had a problem.
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Originally Posted by aristoph
(Post 6801899)
Now they are telling me it will 4-5 weeks for a refund "because they have to reclaim the tax from the authorities before they pay me"! Is this airline running with negative working capital? :mad: :mad:
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Aristoph,
Since the flight was cancelled due to light load don't you qualify for compensation under the EU rules as well as a full refund? Also if the ticket was paid by a credit card they may also give yuo some sort of compensation from any free travel insurance that the cardholder may be entitled to. On 6 hours delayed Copenhagen-LHR flight I received ~£80 from my credit card's insurance company for flight delay and luggage delay. |
Originally Posted by jahason
(Post 6802429)
Aristoph,
Since the flight was cancelled due to light load don't you qualify for compensation under the EU rules as well as a full refund? |
They gave you the seven days required notice I believe, so no comp due under EU rules.
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Originally Posted by aristoph
(Post 6802512)
Interesting point - I hadn't considered this angle since I have never heard of anyone successfully claiming EU compensation for any reason ever! :D The problem now is that the records show that I requested a refund, not that they offered to reschedule me 2 hours after I was due to return and I had no choice but to refund. At this stage I just want my money back. :mad:
Can I just therefore take the opportunity to plug - yet again - Eastern Airways who ran a flight from BHX-NCL just before Easter for Mrs Swiss, Swiss Jr and myself. Two fare paying passengers on the cheapest seat going (which is still quite pricey) plus the infant! We nearly managed a whole bottle of Champagne, but it was a bit bumpy up there... |
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