GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR - Saudi Airlines

[Dedworth]

If they had informed me a month ago I could have done that and booked with KLM when they had their sale on. They have offered me a full refund, but unfortunately the cheapest flight I can get now for two weeks time is £500 more

I agree, you do get what you pay for. In the past I have always booked with KLM, Qatar or Emirates and never had any problems. I have another flight with Saudi in December, but after that, I certainly won't ever use them again.

Jeeeeez that's a hell of a price difference I wouldn't have a problem going with Qatar, Eitihad or Emirates but a mate of mine is a BA Aircraft Engineer working on turning around 3rd party planes and he reckons Saudi aren't amongst the better maintained - strictly his opinion of course

[Englishman2010]

Jeeeeez that's a hell of a price difference I wouldn't have a problem going with Qatar, Eitihad or Emirates but a mate of mine is a BA Aircraft Engineer working on turning around 3rd party planes and he reckons Saudi aren't amongst the better maintained - strictly his opinion of course

Yes, it's down to the fact that it's such short notice and my return leg is over Easter. I've searched all of the on line flight sites this evening, the prices range from £1000 - £4000. A few weeks ago I could have booked with KLM for about £600, but they want nearly £1100 now.

I'm just about to ring their call centre again and chew someones ear off

[Dedworth]

Yes, it's down to the fact that it's such short notice and my return leg is over Easter. I've searched all of the on line flight sites this evening, the prices range from £1000 - £4000. A few weeks ago I could have booked with KLM for about £600, but they want nearly £1100 now.

I'm just about to ring their call centre again and chew someones ear off

Just shows how much they ramp the fares up at holiday times

[Englishman2010]

I'm just about to ring their call centre again and chew someones ear off

I've just had a go at their call centre, I didn't get anywhere. There was no one of any authority in the office at this time of day and I will have to wait until after they have read my e-mail tomorrow

[steve monty]

Sorry to hear about this mate. It's certainly not what you want to hear at this late date. To change the times so drastically like this is totally unacceptable. I hope they are able to offer you something, as 18 hours would do anyones head in. Very diplomatic email by the way, I think my language would have been slightly stronger Hope you get some good news in the coming days!

[Englishman2010]

Sorry to hear about this mate. It's certainly not what you want to hear at this late date. To change the times so drastically like this is totally unacceptable. I hope they are able to offer you something, as 18 hours would do anyones head in. Very diplomatic email by the way, I think my language would have been slightly stronger Hope you get some good news in the coming days!

Thanks Steve We'll see what happens now. I would have liked to have been far stronger in my e-mail, but it's a bit of a balancing act when you are complaining and want something in return. If you go in too soft they'll just fob you off and if you go in too hard they'll put you to the bottom of the pile and ignore you.
Contractually they are within their rights to change their schedules and all they have to do is offer me a full refund, which they have. The problem for me is that it's too late in the day now as I can't get another flight for a realistic price at this late notice.
I've got nothing to lose by complaining, so I certainly won't give up yet. In the meantime, I'll keep on searching with other airlines just in case prices miraculousy drop by £500 in the next 2 weeks

[gWaPito]

At least you are on your lonesome, without wife and kids in tow. You wld of been getting some major tongue lashing.

Your over a barrel, no choice. The main thing is, you still got your flight, unlike the unfortunate folk who booked with that Chinese Airline three years back.