Latest news with #flightbooking
CTV News
20-06-2025
- CTV News
Ontario couple's dream vacation ruined after typo on airline ticket
An Ontario couple booking their dream vacation to Africa says they were searching for flights online when they got a call from a travel website offering a good deal, but after reserving the tickets, a typo of just one letter ended up ruining their trip. 'Just to change the 'M' at the end of my name I'll have to pay,' Audrey Hamilton, of Courtice, Ont., told CTV News. Hamilton says she and her husband planned their dream vacation to Ghana in February and were online looking for tickets. After entering their phone number on a third-party website, she says someone gave them a call. 'I got a call from a 1-888 number that (told me) they were selling tickets to go somewhere and they noticed I was searching for tickets and they said they would help me,' said Hamilton. The caller told Hamilton he could get her two round trip tickets from Toronto to Accra, Ghana for $2,750. Hamilton agreed with the price and gave the caller her information to purchase the tickets. However, when Hamilton checked the tickets she says she noticed there was an error with the spelling of her last name. 'At the end of my name he put an 'M' instead of an 'N,' so immediately when we saw that we emailed the agent and texted him, but he never responded,' Hamilton said. Hamilton booked through a third-party website called ASAP Tickets. She said after a month of trying to correct her name from 'Hamiltom' to its proper spelling of 'Hamilton,' she was told she could be issued new tickets, but was shocked at how much she would have to pay. 'One person told me it's going to be $2,000 plus and I said that's going to be double paying.' Their tickets were for United Airlines and when CTV News reached out to the airline on Hamilton's behalf, a spokesperson said in a statement, 'The customer will need to work directly with the third-party booking agency to make any changes to their ticket.' CTV News also reached out to ASAP Tickets and a spokesperson said in a statement, 'Please be advised that we will not be participating in any interviews or providing statements to the media regarding this matter. All communication will be handled directly and exclusively with the customer involved.' Tips for travelling smart 'It's a painful and hard lesson to learn and we are so empathetic when we hear of situations like that,' said Richard Smart, president and CEO of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). TICO is Ontario's travel regulator which offers protections for travel services within the province. Smart told CTV News travellers looking to buy tickets should be cautious using third-party websites and should understand that TICO registered travel services offer more safeguards in case there are any problems. 'The benefit of a travel agent or travel advisor is that the requirement that the documentation is correct at the time the booking is made,' said Smart. Hamilton said she felt the typo was not her fault and in the end had to cancel the trip as she didn't want to pay an additional $2,000 to fix the mistake. 'I think it's unfair for them. To you $2,700 is a drop in the bucket, but for me it's a month's work. It's devastating,' she said. When booking a trip either with a travel agent or by yourself, always triple check the names and make sure they match your passport. Some airlines allow you to correct mistakes within 24 hours at no charge, but if it is a non-refundable ticket, there may be a fee or it may not be allowed at all.
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Flights are 'almost always cheaper' if you depart on two specific days of the week reveals travel expert
A travel expert has revealed the best days of the week to fly to secure a cheap flight. Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, says that travelling on two specific days will help tourists save money on their flight. Speaking to the Express, the expert reveals that flying mid-week could help travellers snap up a bargain flight. Dawn says: 'Tuesday and Wednesday departures are almost always cheaper than weekend flights.' Many British travellers try to maximise their time away by flying at the weekend so prices are generally highest on Saturday. If you're able to be flexible with your departure date, it's worth checking the price of your flight across different days. Dawn also claims that booking a flight at the earliest date possible isn't always the best way to save money. She says: 'I've seen people book flights 10 months early thinking they've got a bargain, only to watch the same route drop by £200 per person just weeks before departure. 'Airlines use dynamic pricing, which means they're constantly adjusting based on demand predictions.' However, the expert adds that booking a flight last-minute is also a risky way to travel. She explains that tourists could face 'inflated prices' and 'limited availability' as well as being forced to 'compromise' on 'accommodation quality' if they book late. According to Dawn, the ideal time to book a short-haul flight to Europe is six to eight weeks before departure. When it comes to a long-haul flight, it's best to book eight to 12 weeks ahead of travel.
Malay Mail
12-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Full name or no flight: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia tighten booking rules to match ID documents
KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 — Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia have updated their flight booking name entry rules to align with international standards and reduce check-in issues, especially for passengers with non-standard name formats. Both airlines now require passengers to enter their full names exactly as they appear in official documents, such as passports or national ID cards, to prevent discrepancies during check-in, according to a report published in The Star today. For example, a passenger named Ahmad Faliq bin Hamedi should input 'Ahmad Faliq' under the 'First and Middle Name' field and 'Bin Hamedi' in the 'Last Name/Surname' field. Malaysia Airlines has published detailed booking guidelines on its website to assist passengers with the revised procedures. AirAsia has also adopted a clearer distinction between 'Given Name' and 'Family Name/Surname' to accommodate naming conventions across various cultures including Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, Thai, and Vietnamese. The airline emphasised that symbols and special characters are not accepted and name length is restricted by system limits. 'For names with '@', replace it with a space; for names with 'A/P' or 'A/L', omit them unless stated in your passport,' AirAsia advised. Hyphens in names should also be replaced with spaces. Passengers are not allowed to change the name on a booking to another person after confirmation, but corrections for minor errors or misspellings are permitted. Some travellers have expressed concerns, including businesswoman Faridah Joned, who is unsure if she needs to update her existing Malaysia Airlines booking due to not including 'binti.' An AirAsia passenger, known only as Tan, said the update should be better communicated, suggesting that airlines should email passengers about such changes. Travellers are encouraged to check the respective airline websites or customer service channels for more information.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Amsterdam being booked up by Canadians in June: Skyscanner trending travel destination
A European summer is very much on the horizon for Canadians and in June, Amsterdam has proven to be a particularly popular travel destination. Information provided to Yahoo Canada from Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 73 per cent increase in flight bookings from Canadian cities to the destination over the last month. According to the 2025 Skyscanner Travel Trends report, 34 per cent of Canadian travellers seeking out immersive art experiences are specifically attracted to the shared, communal aspect of those moments. And Amsterdam is a great destination for those travellers. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner For art lovers specifically, June is the perfect time to travel to Amsterdam. The Holland Festival takes place in June, the Netherlands' oldest and largest performing arts festival, and the sculpture exhibition ArtZuid is also taking place, transforming areas of the city into an open-air museum. "Amsterdam's commitment to accessible art is evident in venues like the Stedelijk Museum, which offers cutting-edge modern art exhibitions, and the city's numerous independent galleries and street art installations," Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner's travel trends and destinations expert highlighted. Using Skyscanner search data, roundtrip flights from Toronto to Amsterdam in June can currently be found for as low as $513. Flights from Vancouver to Amsterdam start at $695, or $620 from Montreal. Check Skyscanner for up-to-date, live pricing for all flights. Search for your next vacation on Skyscanner If you want to travel like a local in Amsterdam, it's time to get on a bike. "Renting a bike is one of the best ways to see the city. The canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and riding through it at your own pace gives you a real feel for the rhythm of Amsterdam life," Lindsay said. "Stop along the way for coffee at a canal-side café, or pack a picnic and relax in Vondelpark like the locals do." For visitors looking for the best neighbourhood for a stroll, the Jordaan District is the place to go. "The Jordaan is full of independent galleries, boutiques, and cozy brown cafés," Lindsay highlighted. "It's the kind of neighbourhood where you can wander with no real plan and still stumble on something great." "If you're there on a Saturday, don't miss the Noordermarkt — part flea market, part foodie haven, and all charm." If you want to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather, the Rijksmuseum Garden is a great stop. "Even if you've already visited the Rijksmuseum, the summer gardens are worth a separate trip," Lindsay stated. "They're beautifully maintained and often feature outdoor sculptures or installations." "It's free to enter, and it's a peaceful break in the middle of Museumplein — ideal for art lovers and sun seekers alike." The Hoxton, Amsterdam is located in the heart of the city, in the same neighbourhood as some of the city's best restaurants and stores. The hotel's restaurant Lotti's has a focus on seasonal Dutch ingredients with its "modern European restaurant" cuisine. Located between two historical canals, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam has an interesting history, from a 15th-century convent to the City Hall of Amsterdam. The rooms feature contemporary French designs, with the property having specifically family-friendly accommodations and experiences. The hotel also has a spa with an indoor pool. Have a particularly luxurious experience at The Dylan, Amsterdam, located in the "9-streets" area on the Keizersgracht canal. It's also home to the two Michelin star awarded Restaurant Vinkeles, in addition to Bar Brasserie OCCO, which has its infamous "High Wine" experience, a play on High Tea. Each room style is unique, and includes one inspired by the Loxura butterfly, to an authentic Amsterdam-style loft. Skyscanner has a number of features to make sure you save as much as possible on your vacation. Take advantage of the "Saved" feature. Start by browsing all the travel deals and when you see something you like, you can save it for later. Step 1: Find your flights and hotel. Step 2: Select the heart icon next to your top picks to save them for later. Make sure you're logged into your Skyscanner account. Pro tip: Download the Skyscanner app to create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you're planning. If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they're getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally. Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you'll want to make sure you're looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates. Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you're hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes. Consider "Everywhere": If you're hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don't have a specific destination in mind, the "Everywhere" search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible. Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.
Irish Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
‘I am owed €530 by Aer Lingus since early April. I can't afford that'
A reader called Emer ended up booking not one but two flights for herself and her family to the same destination at the same time through no fault of her own and has struggled for weeks to have the problem resolved. 'On Thursday, April 3rd I attempted to amend an Aer Lingus flight booking online,' her mail begins. 'This was a flight for four people and I was amending the flight for us to fly a couple of days later than originally planned.' The cost to amend the booking came in at €430 but, she writes, the transaction would not go through due to an error on the Aer Lingus website. She sent us a screengrab of the error message she was getting. She authorised the payment with her bank several times but the Aer Lingus page kept stalling and no email came through to confirm that the modification had been successful. READ MORE 'I rang Aer Lingus customer service [and] after a long wait I spoke to a member of their team who confirmed it had not gone through, and then charged me €530 to amend the booking as it cost more to do it over the phone.' She did point out that the only reason she was making the booking over the phone was because of an issue with the Aer Lingus website but the representative said their hands were tied and there was nothing they could do. She paid the fee and was less than impressed a day later when she saw two separate Aer Lingus transactions appear on her credit card – one for €430 and another one for €530. She realised that – contrary to what she had been told by the Aer Lingus employee the online transaction had been processed as well as the phone transaction. 'I have spoken to customer care on the phone four times and have been promised a refund of €530, the double-charged amount. They said I could expect it in five days. I also have two complaints with Aer Lingus, both in early April, which I have quoted numerous times on the phone to customer care. The average wait time on the phone is 40 minutes so I can't afford to ring daily as I work full-time. I've also tried their WhatsApp service but the bot said to contact customer service. 'So I am owed €530 by Aer Lingus since early April. I can't afford to have that amount outstanding on my credit card and I can't understand this lack of action on their side for their clear and obvious, and on record, error. I have also contacted the IAA, but honestly feel like I'm losing my mind.' Her frustration is entirely understandable and when we contacted the airline it was quick to hold its hands up. 'Aer Lingus sincerely regrets that this customer experienced difficulties when attempting to modify their flights online,' a spokeswoman said. 'While our website's 'Manage Trip' function typically allows customers to make changes seamlessly online, we acknowledge that, in this instance, they were unable to do so and were inadvertently charged twice in error. We have processed the full refund for the duplicate charge and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.'
