This Data Protection lark is beginning to go too far isn't it. So your OH has to give HIS permission for them to take money off of YOUR card! - then they won't be able to do that without YOUR permission!!

I had similar troubles this year with our booking, because my boyfriend's name was the lead name on the booking, I wasn't allowed to ask any questions about the booking without he's permission, I was only querying one of the taxes that was on our bill!!

Thanks Lozza and Miccie,

My OH said "you could be anybody and paying with a stolen card" etc. etc. - which in this day and age I suppose is fair comment but when he phoned to give permission for ME to pay, how would they know that he was who he said he was. They didn't ask him anything that I couldn't have known I think I am just naive, too honest, and would not even THINK of any criminal intent so therefore I don't even consider these things. Hubby say's I am just too thick (next time we book - HE can pay) Data protection is here to stay and if it protects us then fine but even in my "thickest moment" I am sure this is not always the case Ho Hum, such is life I think I'll remain "thick" it's much easier - don't want to get a headache

not related to holidays but..
when my son was very ill I had to look after his finacial concerns. When i phoned one high st bank to pay some bills (their bills) I was told that i couldn't do this because of "data protection".
i then phoned back later pretending to be my son and answered all the security questions, eg mothers maiden name, first pet etc as i obviuosly knew the answers. Competed the business and told them hat I had done.
Told that what i has done was illegal and that i wouldn't be allowed accessto the accounts any more at all, to this i relied" well in that case you won't get your money because if I don't do it , no one else can".
Sudden change of mind and full co-opertion!

I have had the same experience when helping my son too - when you tell them they must either speak to you or NOT get paid, they usually change tack - funny that This was a few years ago though so they are probably even more strict nowadays. Anyway "off topic" sort of, so better not upset Fiona Bye.

I know this is off topic but I too have had to take over my sons finances due to him being seriously ill. How weird that we are on this forum, do you think Goa helps us have a break from the real worlds problems?

I had the exact same problems with NTL when trying to pay my sisters outstanding balance with my credit card without the password for her account. Rather arrogantly I was told she has to ring herself with the relevant account information. They soon changed their minds when I asked what time they finish accepting calls, and said I'll make sure she rings 10 minutes before you close, she be using the minicom system beacuse she's hearing impaired. They was as nice as pie after that and
accepted the payment. They know using the minicom system could take over a hour just to pay a bill. Sorry way od topic..

Well Data Protection will not go away! It will become more strict. Yeah you can get around it at times! Still it is here to stay.

At times it sounds silly but also at times it is not and we will all appreciate it at times.

Pretending to be someone who you are not and then telling the Bank is not a good idea! The bank is within their right to block the accounts and that will mean no payments! The bank will then report it to the credit agency Experian who will note it on the credit report of the third party!

There is a legal way of acting on behalf of someone in Banking.

I work in an industry were DP is paramount and I will not risk my BLEEP for anyone else! That said paying for a holiday if your not the lead passenger is a little silly but hey what can you do.... Although the agents should maybe ask for ways that payment may be made on booking. So when the payment is due they have the authority.

Then again...if a couple had a bust up and the hubby said 'I will not go away with you. I can't be around you now.' Then say the Mrs pays. Hubby finds out and demands from the travel agency why the payment was taken without his authority since he is lead passenger. Who is right? Who is wrong? A line needs to be drawn somehwere.

Anyway back to Goa.......

Richie your works sounds as dreadful and obsessive as mine about DP. Might be one and the same place .....
Anyway as long as we can all get safely to Goa, who cares who pays

They did If me and my hubby bust up, I'd still go - he could please himself )specially if I paid

Well DP may have been set up to protect our interests, although I suspect it protects theirs more. But I am of the opinion that it really is getting too restrictive and gets applied to the most obscure things in life and can at times be a right royal pain the backside!