I Don't Believe It!!!

[cassa333]

A holiday that cost £330 each is going to cost an extra £300 each to change a name!!!

My mum had a fall and broke a couple of ribs and now can't go on the holiday so we thought we would go instead (the reason I need the kids passports renewed) and have been told we will have to book new flights. WHY CAN'T THEY JUST CHANGE THE NAMES???

If anyone knows the number for Air Malta I would phone them but can't get through on the one on their web site.

[EcclesCake]

Why can't they change the names? Because the tickets were restricted and that is a standard condition of restricted tickets......hence the low cost.

Why doesn't your Mother just claim from her insurance?

[chelle7272]

it is common practice. Some airlines would not let you change the name at all for the flights. Can she claim?

[237SJ]

Could she claim on her insurance and at least you will get her money back. I`m not sure that you can buy a ticket and change it to someone else`s name - I think it`s some kind of anti-fraud measure

[grasscarp]

http://www.saynoto0870.com/companysearch.php
freephone number shown as 0800 66222111

[bednobs]

If you want to buy an "open" ticket, that allows changes, they are much more expensive.

[237SJ]

I don`t think open tickets allow change of name. Open tickets are for when you want to be flexible about your dates/change your flight etc

[VHG]

The problem is that some people book dozens of cheap airline tickets, when they first come out, with no intention of using them.

Then nearer the date they sell them on at a profit, thinking that all people need to do is change the name on the ticket.

So to stop this happening all airlines charge a high fee to change the name on an airline ticket.

[boxtops]

It's perfectly normal practice, cassa, it'll be on the small print when you booked the tickets. No point in ranting. This is why your mum has (I hope) travel insurance, so she could get a refund if she can't go. It's not the airline's fault, it's what happens.

[cassa333]

I phoned the airline and they said it was a 50euro charge plus the difference in the cost of the flight if it has gone up since we paid.

Loads less than a new flight as the co-op said!!

[boxtops]

what's the Co-op got to do with it, did your mum book through a travel agent? This is one reason why we always book our flights direct with the airline, you can see what you're getting for your money.

[Dee Sa]

try e mailing Gill Charlton of Sat Telegraph Travel, she will give you sound advice and can contact the airline on your behalf she has helped me several times with travel problems [email protected] let me know the result pls.

[EDDIE51]

This is common, they advertise a cheap price but there are a lot of conditions to it, that is how they make their profit. No good phoning them they will have the name change fee in the terms and conditions somewhere. Has your Mum got travel insurance ? if so that may cover the cost of cancellation/name change.

[EDDIE51]

Is this just flights or a full package? It does not make sense to say the flights have to be changed if it is the same holiday, same dates. If it is just flights it could be cheaper to just book new flights and simply not turn up for the original ones that way you save the cancellation fee.

[EDDIE51]

Even £300 sounds expensive for Malta i found these , depart 7th Oct and return a week later
http://www.edreams.co.uk/engine/ItinerarySearch/search

[Dee Sa]

is it at a spa ?