In early January my wife booked a week in Spain in May through Travel Republic for the two of us. She did this on the internet, and printed out the e mail that was automatically sent within minutes, but on checking it I realised that she had put down the wrong dates and that we actually wanted the previous week, which was a school holiday week and as I work in a school, it was the only week that we could go.
I immediately rang Travel Republic, this was within 10 to 15 minutes of the original booking, and explained the situation. The girl said that she would change the booking dates on her computer immediately, but that as this was a school break week there would be extra cost. I already knew this, so when she quoted an extra £210 for the flight I agreed immediately.

We did not receive an amended e mail immediately, in fact it was several days later before one came, and the flight cost had increased by £250 not £210. I phoned Travel Republic, and this time spoke to a customer services rep who was very abrupt and unsympathetic and basically told me it was an extra £250 and I could take it or leave it. I argued but to no avail. I phoned again the next night and spoke to him again, with exactly the same response. He said that the amended flight details had not been put through by them for several days and by that time the price had gone up. This seemed ridiculous, if we can book the flight in moments on a computer why can't they also amend one in moments?

I later had to phone them again about an unrelated matter, but pertaining to the same holiday. This time I spoke to a female rep and during the conversation I mentioned our other problem, the increased flight price from what we had been quoted and agreed. She said that this was because Globe Span had collapsed and they had been far too busy trying to get people home to amend my booking before the price rise. Well I'm very sorry for all the people who were stranded, but I still don't see why this should result in me being ripped off by £40! I was quoted a price and agreed to that price and that should have been the end of it. £40 is not a lot, but this is a principle, I do not break my word and I don't expect others to break theirs.

I have also e mailed Travel Republic Customer Services several times and have so far not even had the courtesy of an acknowledgement, this after several weeks of waiting!

My wife and I go abroad between 3 and 4 times every year. For the sake of £40 they have taken from me now they have certainly lost out on hundreds they would have had from me over the years, as we will certainly never, under any circumstances, book with them again. Hardly seems good business practice in a recession.