Tizzy Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 Off to the Caribbean for a spot of sailing later this month. Tickets are with BMI from Manchester to Antigua. One of the party has had to drop out, and the t/agent is saying that there is no way that the name on the ticket can be changed - anyone have any experience of managing to get this overturned? We do have someone else who'd go & We may be able to get a GP's letter saying that the person has been advised not to fly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 Depends on the airline. Easyjet allow it for a fee £15 I think. BA don't allow it sounds like BMI are the same. If the person has been advised not to fly on medical grounds their travel insurance will cover them for cancellation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ncr666 Posted August 7, 2006 Report Share Posted August 7, 2006 Check their T&C's It clearly states that name changes cannot be made. "Once purchased tickets can only be used by the person named on the ticket" Certain tickets will allow full refunds, but a charge of £25 is made for the privilege. Cancellations must be made via their call centre. See website for details ncr666 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapsuds Posted August 8, 2006 Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 you have no chance with BMI, unless on a 'full price' economy ticket - please take no offence, but this is unlikely if you are travelling BMI as i assume you wanted to get there as cheap as possible...!!! (other much better arilines to go on that distance). As said, if medical, travel insurance will cover then you just book another ticket for the new person. You live 'n learn! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tizzy Posted August 8, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 You're right, we did get a "discount" ticket for the Manchester to Antigua leg (our ultimate destination is Tortola in the BVI's) and it's non-refundable / non-transferable. The only refund we're being offered is for the taxes element, which was about £120 of the £600 fare. Too late to buy another ticket now as they've shot up in price. What gall's me is that I know that the airline will re-sell the ticket and pocket the £480 cost of our ticket. It's rather up to the person who's not travelling to get her t/insurance compensation against a GP's note, but I doubt it'll be for the full amount!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapsuds Posted August 8, 2006 Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 there is generally no reason why the travel insurance wont pay out against a GP's note, providing of course that the level of cover offered, minus the Excess charges, will be within that set by the policy. If it is an el-cheapo policy, this might not be for the full amount..... she should be fine though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapsuds Posted August 8, 2006 Report Share Posted August 8, 2006 oh - forgot to add, this is a calculated risk airlines will take - offer the cheap seat prices in the risk that someone / few people cant fly and they can resell the seat at an inflated cost..... similar to the way they overbook the flights by ~30% - all calculated by accountants and computers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tizzy Posted August 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Guys thanks for all comments. BMI have actually come back and offered a complete refund (less £10 admin charge) in the form of a credit voucher valid for 12 months. Whilst I think this is quite fair, I suspect the travel insurance claim will generate a hard-cash refund which may be preferable. They (BMI) certainly won't entertain changing the name on the ticket though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Could I advise not getting a credit voucher for that airline Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tizzy Posted August 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 You certainly can - can I ask why? (PM me if you like) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Bmi Baby, Bmi regoinal and Bmi mainline are currently balloting pilots for industrial action in the coming months. If it was a long term strike there is a chance they could either get into big trouble or get bought by another UK airline. Either way the credit may not be worth anything by the end of the year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tizzy Posted August 9, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Thanks DHA - I was aware of the impending strike action - it's being talked about taking place over the August b/holiday weekend, which just happens to be when we're flying back from Antigua!! But wise observation regarding the longer term implications of the possible strike. I think claiming against the travel insurance is the best option to actually obtain a physical cash refund and that's what I've advised her to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted August 9, 2006 Report Share Posted August 9, 2006 Yeah its what I would go for even if there were no risks to the airline. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapsuds Posted August 10, 2006 Report Share Posted August 10, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Bmi Baby, Bmi regoinal and Bmi mainline are currently balloting pilots for industrial action in the coming months. If it was a long term strike there is a chance they could either get into big trouble or get bought by another UK airline. Either way the credit may not be worth anything by the end of the year. [/ QUOTE ] you recon they will get swallowed by one of the Star Alliance biggies - i.e. maybe LH?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted August 10, 2006 Report Share Posted August 10, 2006 Nope. Lufthansa have been trying to sell their BMI stake for a while. Look far closer to home.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapsuds Posted August 10, 2006 Report Share Posted August 10, 2006 aaahhh - i thought if LH maybe had the chance of the whole lot...... i have read in their internal magazine about trying to get rid of their 'share' (large share!! ) oh well, that will be dead then if BA get it - crap airline all round IMO...... BMI used to be ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted August 10, 2006 Report Share Posted August 10, 2006 Nah not BA, they are in trouble too with possible strike action over pensions. Likely to be Virgin who would buy BMI, they have strong ties between the airlines and it would finally give RB a proper chance to stuff it to BA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soapsuds Posted August 10, 2006 Report Share Posted August 10, 2006 [ QUOTE ] Nah not BA, they are in trouble too with possible strike action over pensions. Likely to be Virgin who would buy BMI, they have strong ties between the airlines and it would finally give RB a proper chance to stuff it to BA. [/ QUOTE ] aaagh - i get you now!! Go Branson is what i say.... anything to stuff BA..... can you tell i cant stand them!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHA Posted August 10, 2006 Report Share Posted August 10, 2006 I really can't stand them but have to work with them each and every day! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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