Thanks Fiona - was just being lazy!

In my opinion that was a confirmed date, and you entered into a contract with the travel company for the dates on the tickets, so by rights you should be able to get your money back.

But check the small print, they may have a get out clause, it could be circumstances beyond our control I have read in one of the Indian newspapers that 75% of the airlines that fly in and out of Goa, have not yet applied for permission to land at Goa airport, during the 2008/09 season I think that this is because, a lot of airlines are cutting back on the flights they are doing, they may be waiting to see how many planes they will be filling before applying, if one flight will take what should have been two flights, they will rearrange the plane times.

It has also been reported that the Travel companies have also been slow in confirming how many hotel rooms/apartments they will be requiring.

I would insist that these are the only dates you can travel on, and if they can not keep there side of the bargain, then you want your money back.

re the change of date
yes you should get it refunded.

Thanks both

Ive received an e mail from Travelpack saying that if i pay in full this week then they wont add any further charges - Im going to call them tomorrow to get the date confirmed before I pay - am over a barrel really as I dont really want to have the increased airfare added to my final invoice just before we are due to go.

Thanks again
Jo

I've just received a letter - my flight has changed by 2 days for next March (they say it's cancelled), bad enough they don't go from Birmingham anymore let alone this!!!

Hi Candy64

Who are you flying with? We are booked for Dec 2008 and April 2009 - Im dreading the changing ours as I work in a school.

Jo

Hurray, just booked our january flights with Finnair as far as Mumbai, can sort the rest out later. At least we are on the way. £310.60 Manchaster to Mumbai and selected seats reserved.

Hi jom1964
We were flying 25th dec from manchester that was canceled so we changed to Gatwick same day, now that has been canceled. The alternative date was 27th we cant do that so we have now booked to go to Gambia because they still wont confirm if those dates will not be changed again. Both times it was booked through TC but manchester was monach Gatwick was TC. We are now losing our timeshare this year because of the messing about.

When did they let you know of the change? We are with Monarch on 19th Dec and again on 3rd April - both fit in with the school hols. Enjoy Gambia - ive heard its lovely there.
Regards
Jo

Just booked for four weeks with Monarch (I know!! Done through gritted teeth!) next February. Been messing about getting various quotes and considering cheaper options via Helsinki and Mumbai but decided to take the plunge. Don't feel up to two connecting flights and hanging around airports for hours on end and I've got a price that is better than other recent quotes so what the hell....here we go!

I've always preferred the My Travel flight that was non-stop from Manchester but they have been taken over by Thomas Cook who apparently don't do 4 weeks from Manchester (only Gatwick) and don't like to speak in person with prospective customers - guess we must irritate them! Gee, don't we get in the way of some of these company's systems when we try to spend money with them!

What with the potential for flight consolidations/cancellations because of falling numbers (credit crunch etc.), fuel surcharges, visa increases and delays, it makes you wonder how we'll end up come February but we've taken the first step. Who knows, by then Gordon Brown may have slapped a tax on the use of aircraft toilets and in the interests of energy conservation the in-flight TVs won't be working (no change there then, for Monarch).

I always remind myself that the flight is just a means to an end - getting to Goa. It is increasingly something to be endured rather than enjoyed but hey, there are people on this strange old planet with much bigger problems than that.

hi, we have booked flights from manchester with thomas cook flying out 8 dec returning 6 jan, but we did book accomodation as well. first time to goa and really looking forward to it.

I am sure you will just love it lindabrad!! especially Christmas and New Year!! and I think you have done right to book accommodation at that time as it can get very busy and expensive
chilly

Roma I know everyone complains about Monarch but we have travelled with them every year for the last 10 years from Manchester and have never had any problems. I suspect the big problem for people is the leg room but as my sister and I are only 5'4" this doesn't affect us. As you say though you just want to get there the quickest way and after a few drinks if you are like me you will fall asleep and before you know it you will be sitting in the shack enjoying your first drink and your journey will be a distant memory.

I'm going in December with Monarch and with Thomas Cook in March (the one that is cancelled)

Jom1964
We were told on Tuesday about the change. We went to Gambia a few years back and we did like it, weve just given up on Goa flight for this year because no flights are yet confirmed as they havent requested landing slots yet!

Yes I have to say that it is concerning me at the moment - although the flight we are booked on is still for sale so am hopeful that the dates wont change? Fingers crossed anyway!

weve just given up on Goa flight for this year because no flights are yet confirmed as they havent requested landing slots yet

If this keeps up there's going to be a quiet start of the season. Sounds like the UK tour operators don't have a lot of interest in this route. But then again maybe that's the Goan airport authority (or whoever issues slots) just behaving in a manner that wouldn't surprise any regular to Goa.

Which is the first charter flight to arrive in Goa and on what date?

Which is the first charter flight to arrive in Goa and on what date?

That is just it, no one seems to know, Not one of the UK charters have requested landing times from the Goan authorities, and this has been reported in all the Goan newspapers. I don't know who is messing who around.