ebookers

[Top Cat2]

Any ideas on the best way to proceed in a dispute with ebookers over the cost of air tickets?

[Dassie]

Depends when you say "cost" what do you mean? I presume you knew how much you were going to pay before you bought them! If it's a dispute over a refund or something like that you can always go to ABTA. They have an independent arbitration settlement which I used once to get a refund when Princess Cruise lines refused.

[Top Cat2]

Thanks for the advice. I'm looking into the ABTA route. Basically, ebookers verbally and in writing quoted me an amended cost for 2 tickets with Continental which I accepted and allowed them to process payment. They then telephoned the next day to say Continental wanted more! This was after ebookers had checked with Continental the day before and quoted accordingly. Where do i stand on this?

[heathfield]

If you look at the small print in holiday brochures it usually says that the final quote they give you is the guaranteed price you'll pay. But, in addition, you'll probably find a rider to say that any later increase in charges by governments or other regulatory bodies may be passed on to you.
This covers increases in fuel duty, higher airport security charges, departure taxes, and all those other add-ons they dream up from time to time.
Check again with ebookers. If the increase is to the actual base fare, I rather think that ebookers should be responsible for making good any error on their part.
But if the extra cost is down to the above taxes, etc, then I think it's Continental who may be within their rights to ask for more, (though it wouldn't be very customer-friendly of them).

[topcatatwork]

Thanks, Heathfield, for your useful answer. I definitely can say that there has been no increase in fuel charges, etc. Basically, I think that ebookers have made a mistake which they are now not prepared to honour.