Should I be reimbursed for finding my own way home?

Hi all,

Looking for a bit of advice on my position following the cancellations yesterday.
We were due to fly back from DXB to LHR 11:00am in premium yesterday.
Arrived early as it kicked off and quickly booked the only flight I could find which was DXB to MAN in Eco with Emirates.

Obviously was unable to get through to Virgin but I did manage to chat to someone on webchat via my laptop in a lounge. Advised what I was doing and I will submit a claim and not to re-book me which they tried for Monday with BA.

At around 13:00 our flight was still showing as 'on-time' in the app and website...

Today I have been re-booked on a return flight with BA for Monday so I sat on hold for a while and spoke to Virgin.
They have cancelled that return flight and said that they weren't responsible for any food or hotel costs.
Which is fine I just want the Emirates flight one way reimbursed which they said they won't do.

My feeling is surely some logic should prevail and let me be reimbursed for a cheaper Emirates Economy flight rather than the more expensive BA Premium on a different day?

I suspect the issue was more the fact you took matters into your own hands. For right or for wrong, airlines tend to become quite funny when people do that and attempt to reclaim costs unless you have their blessing. Some are even bad at reimbursing you for items you are perfectly entitled to under EU261 laws (as I found out with easyJet with food, drink and ground transport expenses after a 24hr delay - I got it back eventually after quoting the relevant pieces of legislation in response) and hope some will give up instead of standing firm and knowing their rights.

It might be worth trying them again. If the answer is still no, then see what options are available through your travel insurance.