Irish couple lose dream holiday after missing final payment deadline of £300

Updated
Couple lose dream holiday after missing final payment deadline
Couple lose dream holiday after missing final payment deadline

An Irish couple have told how they lost out on a dream holiday to Rome - because they missed the final payment deadline by a day.

Elaine Fyffe-Harper and her husband Gordon had already paid £900 for the £1,200 luxury weekend away, but accidentally missed the deadline to pay the last £300.

Elaine, from Omagh, had already paid a total of £3,300 for two holidays, and were on their Disney Mediterranean cruise with their daughter when they missed the 4 June payment deadline.

Thomson extended the deadline to 16 June, but the couple say they were not informed and received one warning letter on 16 June, which was not opened until 17 June because it was addressed to Gordon and he was away on business.

Elaine contacted her local Thomson branch, where she booked the holiday, but was told it was too late.

She told the Ulster Herald: "They said you're too late, your deadline was yesterday, it has all been cancelled. I asked could we re-book, but they said we had lost our £900 deposit.

"I am disgusted that when my husband didn't answer his phone or e-mail they didn't consider that there was a problem. Why would someone pay £900 for a weekend away and not pay the last £300? It was an extravagant weekend, the treat of a lifetime."

She added that she we would never book a holiday with Thomson again.

In a statement, Thomson told the Ulster Herald: "Our staff tried to make contact with the couple on numerous occasions, as well as extending the deadline for payment.

"We understand from the couple that they did receive the third balance payment reminder but did not open it. Unfortunately, as we acted solely as a booking agent for a third party tour operator, we are bound by their terms and conditions and are therefore unable to offer a refund or reinstate the holiday.

"All Thomson customers are given clear information on the payment dates upon booking, as well as being sent regular reminders to ensure payment is made by the required date – as a result, situations such as this are extremely rare."



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