Back in May we went to Turkey with First Choice. Whilst we had a good holiday there were some problems and on my return I wrote to First choice complaining? Yes I have put a question mark on purpose.
There were problems making contact with the rep who was noticeable by their absence. Not really a problem for us but for others it was. The only means of contact was by a 24 hours UK number - text or email. I sent an email about this and I got a reply. 8 days later.
I also complained about a topic that infuriates members here on HT. Being collected from the hotel and delivered to the airport when the plane was still on the ground in Manchester. The transfer rep was not interested even when I proved it.
Today I have received a reply apologising for the delay in replying to my email. No explanation why people have to ring the UK or the plane not having left Manchester - BUT - they have sent me £100 in vouchers.
Did the problem spoil my holiday. No - we are perfectly capable of looking after ourselves but to have to ring a UK number is not what we expect. Delays at the airport are standard. Everything on time is a bonus. A good book helps pass the time.
My letter was brief and to the point. Stated the facts and did not make any mention of heartache and anguish which only detracts from things.
Am I going to do anything else about it. No - except use the voucher and save some money.
My problems were nothing I know compared to some we see here on HT - I simply put in writing my dissatisfaction with the service I received and paid for. There are the usual words in their letter of taking all complaints seriously and no doubt they will go into the mix when someone reviews them, so if you are not happy do complain. I did not ask for any compensation nor did I expect any. I just wanted to have my say.
In my case I have £100 towards another holiday - wonder if Thos Cook will accept the voucher?
fwh
You are so correct in what you say when it comes to complaint letters, when i get a complaint letter that is 3pages long, i firstly go into the notes on the booking to see if anything has been mentioned whilst they were abroad or anything.
I am amazed at how whingy some of the letters can be and how distraught and traumatised people were because ... they couldn't find the desk to pick up their transfer ... even though instructions are perfectly clear on the voucher and the desk is the first one you come to after arrivals !!!
If all the letters were factual - straight to the point it does make it far easier to actually know what they are complaining about without having to try and read between the lines.
The 3 page letter demanding compensation for distress could have actually been written in 1 page, if that. How can compensation be deemed necessary for an airport that has 1 small strip of desks after arrivals and is clearly signed !!!
good for u fwh
Well done First Choice.
Well done.
for me, this says it all:
My letter was brief and to the point. Stated the facts and did not make any mention of heartache and anguish which only detracts from things.
It proves the point Frank - people are advised to make the complaints short and to the point which is what you did. Well done.
Problem 1. The rep did not attend the welcome meeting or the subsequent meeting in the evening. Monday was her day off so on the Tuesday there was a queue waiting to see her. She did not attend and eventually reception made contact with the local office and she eventually turned up to be met with a lot of angry holidaymakers. Apparently she had not been attending when scheduled for at least two weeks. If anyone had a problem then according to the notice board you could phone a UK number, text or email. Several people with particular needs had telephoned the UK number at great expense without actually getting their problems resolved.
Problem 2. I simply emailed them. Free WiFi so was able to play with my Blackberry - They replied 8 days later telling me when the rep was scheduled to visit.
Problem 3. We were collected from the hotel being assured our flight was on time yet using my phone I was viewing the Manchester airport website and the plane was still on the ground. I simply asked why we were dumped at the airport rather than being allowed to stay at the hotel.
Problem 4. The coach to the airport had an air leak which was very obvious. When pointed out to the transfer rep she simply replied she knew nothing about "buses" so had no idea what we (several others also pointed it out) were on about. I asked what safeguards/checks were in place as in the UK the vehicle would have been taken off the road.
None of the above really required any compensation, in my opinion, just a proper apology and an explanation. I am now is possession of a voucher for £100 and no wiser. Thanks for that. Speaking with other people we are all of the same opinion. TOs create their own problems. Compensation is paid out without anyone asking for it, but nobody ever seems to address the problem/complaint that has been raised.
If Thomson, Thos Cook or any other TO reads this perhaps they might like to dwell on what I have said. They could perhaps save a lot of money and improve their image by acting on it.
Meantime we are browsing the brochures for next year. Spain? Crete? Canaries? I will let you know.
fwh
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