Dazbo
I don't think it's the fact that things go wrong that causes the issues, if you ask most people it's the diatribe that follows which causes the upset and general ill feeling.
I disagree that there is little can be done. Lot's can be done but it takes time and effort and sometimes money and in my experience those three things have never really played a part at the same time to resolve the issue.
For instance telling me to go home in a taxi at my own cost and return in a taxi at my own cost and then claim of my insurance? Those things happen but is that a response that would calm a situation or cause upset?
I will come clean and say I have a small axe to grind with Thomson as again I have seating issues at present with them and their reply was "you can always cancel your premium seats...but you will not be refunded"
I take issue with the phrase on my tickets "your seats in premium are reserved" It gave us a false sense of security and that has left us seated apart on the plane. The response offerred, in my opinion, is contemptuous at best.
Why do I bother going with Thomson you ask...because when they get it right, and they do, it's very good. It's when problems arise when you get in your tobaggon and go down hill rather fast.
As qatarman said it's hard earned money. Thomson clearly do not want these problems but I am not sure it can always with surety be put down to "these things" as "some things" could and should not happen.
I actually shook the captains hand on the 2 day delay escapade, the reason was simple he appraoched us in the correct and honest manner and I can honestly state that out of all the dealings I had with people to do with Thomson he was the only one that treated any of us like people we were, paying cutomers. i thanked him as he went that extra mile.
Thomson gave us about £40 in vouchers.
Another corker from staff was to a family of five as they had only booked a weeks holiday to Goa. They after 1 1/2 day's delay asked for their money back and the reply was if you leave now you will lose everything as we have not cancelled the flight. I think this shows a lot. but I am sure that this is not just thomsons reasoning it's just that I have only had issues with Thomson.