Booking directly Virgin Atlantic - what protection?

Hi,
If you book a flight only with VS on the website what kind of protection do you have if something happens like the volcano erupting again? ?|

Do they have to help you get home or are you on your own if you haven't gone through a Travel Agent? And would any extra accommodation be covered? (I am guessing that Travel insurance isn't going to cover this now?)

Hi Izzy

Have a look at this which covers the main bases.

So if you are delayed abroad VS do have a duty of care. The issue of compensation is seperate.

However, at times of major problems their lines can become inundated. It is always worth thinking what your plan b would be, and then claim back expenses at a later date.

Most travel insurance will cover you for flight delay and travel inconvenience. although you would only get paid out once in respect of the same incident.

Regards
R3dV

IzzyRose, a quick google search found the Air Transport Users Council which is the consumer watchdog for aviation. Worth looking at if you have concerns, It details what rights you have if a flight is cancelled etc or the airline ceases trading etc.

As I understand it, if the flight is cancelled then you would be entitled to a refund / re-routing but not for any additional expenses like hotels etc. Airlines are not covered by ATOL like travel Agents are. Though if you book with a credit card, you make get additional rights under the consumer credit act. I generally always book directly with airlines and always with a credit card.

Regards

TL

Likewise, I always use a credit card - which is why I do object to excessive CC charges v(

At least you can get back some of those charges using quidco or the like and a card with cashback.

VS do seem to do what they can - certainly I witnessed them providing a much better service than BA over the ash debacle.

[mitchja]

Article EC 261-2004 gives you a complete list of what you are entitled too if your flight is delayed, cancelled or if you are denied boarding.

Be warned though, what you are entitled to and what the airlines think you are entitled to can be two completely separate things.

Do a Google search for EC 261-2004, find a PDF copy (there's plenty around), print it and always take it with you when you fly.

Many thanks everyone. Really helpful advice again. oo)

At least you can get back some of those charges using quidco or the like and a card with cashback.

Can I just check - what is quidco? ?|

http://www.quidco.com

You sign up and then whenever you buy anything online you clickthrough the quidco site first to the merchant - they receive commission which they pass on to you - e.g. 5% of your purchase. Quidco take the first £5 that you earn as a fee, the rest gets credited to your bank account monthly (once they've received payment from the merchant - can take a few months).

Sounds good to me. Thanks for the reply. y)