We were supposed to be picked up from our hotel at 1400hrs for our return flight. Due to the weather conditions pick up was delayed until 17.30. When the bus came it came at 1700hrs and the rep was having a go as we weren't ready. Anyhow we had a air steward on the bus who was sat by us on the bus when he got a text saying that the flight from Birmingham had only been airbourne for 10 min. Meaning they were taking us to Taba airport to await a flight that was going to take 5 hours to reach us. Taba airport has 1 room to wait in (no food) just snacks like chocolate and crisps. We weren't happy. We had a delay in this room for 5 and a half hours. Why take us to the airport at that time knowing that there was no plane there. Anyway i'll blame the weather on that! As you can imagine when we boarded we were gasping for a cuppa. Next thing an announcement was made " I'm sorry due to slight difficulties there will be no water on this flight so tea and coffee will be unavailable". We couldn't even wash our hands after using the loo. What I want to know is, is it worth me writing a letter of complaint to First choice?? Or will it just be a waste of my time
I think I'd be writing a letter. Not being able to wash your hands is unacceptable. Got to be a breach of some regulation somewhere -heaven knows we have enough of them.
Did they actually tell you that you couldn't wash your hands? It's just that the supply of water for things like the washrooms will be different to the water supply used for consumption when the crew make tea/coffee or if the passengers have access to a water fountain. That is why you normally see signs inside the wash rooms telling you not to drink the water or that the water is "potable".
They never said we couldn't wash our hands, just said that there was no tea and coffee, but when we went to the loo, there was no water to wash our hands either!
On a flight to Turkey 2 years ago, we ended up sitting on the runway (in the plane - of course) for over an hour, as there was no water on the plane. We were tole we were NOT allowed to fly without it.
I would certainly complain about the lack of hand washing facilities - especially with so much in the news of infections spread by lack of hand washing. I suppose the difficulty is if First Choice deny this was the case. Did you or anyone else complain of this at the time? Had you paid for inflight meals and drinks? If so did they offer bottled drinks free of charge as an alternative? In fact, regardless of whether you paid, I would expect a company like first choice to offer free bottled water as a gesture of goodwill where tea/coffee wasn't available!
I have to agree with denny53. Just mentioned this to my other half who travels a lot on business and he said he's been on a flight where they were told they couldn't take off with out water.
Hi Marlou,
In light of what's been said I would definitely write a letter stressing the point of not having any sort of water on board and I'd also refer to Health and Safety legislation with regards to hand washing after the use of the toilet.
I didn't hear anyone else complaining, but hubby and I went to the loo and couldn't get water. We had to pay for bottled water, but they brought orange squash round instead of tea/coffee. I think I will drop First choice a line just to see what they have to say!
You didnt hear anybody else complaining??? I find that incredible so perhaps it was just one of the cubicles? What did the flight attendants say? Did you fill up a complaint form on board?
Regardless of that- tea and coffee should have been available and if they had bottled water on board then it shouldn't have been too difficult.
The longer you wait the less likely they are to respond. I'd do it immediately. I sent an e mail to DH 2 weeks ago & received an automated response saying I'd hear from them within 7 days. I'm still waiting.