In June I booked a holiday to Cyprus next October for myself, husband and Stepson.
The whole thing was a disaster from start to finish. We were in there about 2 hours waiting for the holiday to get booked, when the assistant booked it, it was booked departing from Newcastle instead of Manchester. So she told us to leave and she would send the forms out to us. I got a receipt for £100 deposit that I paid.
A couple of weeks later I received a letter saying that I was to pay £290 at the end of July. I went into First Choice and asked about it because I had been told nothing about this before. The girl that was there told me that it was always happening and asked me to sign some forms that I had not signed before because the booking was messed up. The girl in the Travel Agent told me not to sign the low deposit agreement and we did not have to pay this, as long as it was paid before the balance was due (which we would be ok). The Manager was there as well and was involved in this conversation.
Fast forward to this week and we have been bombarded with letters from First Choice about this, I don't mind paying the £290, but it is the principle of the matter.
I have tried to complain to First Choice in Carlisle, but all that they said was that they would take me to court if I did not pay the £290 before the 25th August now.
Surely if I have not signed anything, I should not have to be liable for the low deposit and I should be able to pay the full balance before it is due.
The thing that annoys me is that I was not told about this and if we had known about it, we would not have booked it because we have lots of other things going on at the moment, that is why we booked doing the £100 deposit so that we could just pay a bit monthly.
We have to go on this holiday, but I want to cancel this with First Choice, because I have never had such a bad service from a Travel Agent ever in my life
Maybe I am being unreasonable, but I don't think so
Thanks a lot
Im surprised that First Choice have contacted you direct as everything is normally done through the agent.
No, this through the First Choice Travel Shop
Have you spoken to the people who told you originally you didnt have to pay the full deppppppppposit ?
Yes, they are denying it and threatened me with court action
However, as you say you did not sign anything, so why not have a quick word with Travel Law Solicitor, Ros Fernihough or her Secretary, who will be able to tell you where you stand.
Her contact details are:
The direct number to Ros's PA Pam is 01922 705134
Or try the switchboard number 01922 633214 and ask for Travel Dept.
Kath
Like I say, I don't mind paying it, it is just the fact that they have thrown this at me and said that I did not have to pay it within the 8 weeks
If 2008 then the full balance would be due now and the requests for payment would be for that.
fwh
Sorry, it is October 2009
There does seem to be some confusion as to if you were aware you had signed up to the "low deposit" scheme. According to what you write I assume you were not aware you had but the money paid by you has been treated as such. The normal deposit would be greater.
All TOs do require a minimum deposit when a booking is made. You would seem to have paid £100 "on account" and they are asking for the balance of the deposit. They are quite correct in doing so.
You would need to consult the terms and conditions regarding the cancellation policy applicable to them.
Even on the minimum deposit scheme they do actually require the balance of the deposit to be paid by a particular date. Failure on your part to do so allows them to cancel the holiday and sue for the outstanding balance.
It would appear from what you say that the agent was disorganised to say the least but you did enter into an agreement.
Kath has suggested you contact Ros for advice. You need to do this with the minimum of delay to confirm the actual legal position on this but I believe I am correct in what I say.
fwh
Details below are taken from First Choice website and FULL details can be found at this link.
http://www.firstchoice.co.uk/help/booking-online/low-deposits/
There does seem to be some confusion. You say the holiday is 2009 but for a 2008 holiday then this applies - Low deposit for holidays PRIOR to Fri 01 May 2009 do require a top up payment. You need to check when this holiday is actually due according to First Choice. If they have it (incorrectly) recorded as 2008 then they are correct in requesting payment.
Holidays departing Fri 01 May 2009 Onwards
Low deposits are offered on all holidays. No deposit top-up amount is required. This is included within your final payment, due 8 weeks before departure.
You do need to take account of this.
In the event of cancellation, customers are liable for the full deposit amount as per our standard terms and conditions. Offer applies to new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time.
fwh
I will do all that you said and let you know.
Like I say, I am not bothered about paying the £290, I just can't afford it at this minute
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