ALL ABOUT YOU — LETTERS
Great idea, CAA Story: CAA confirms plans for creation of ‘aviation ombudsman’ This is an excellent idea and long overdue. The CAA has never really been interested in representing the interests of the passenger when it comes to flight delay claims and the like, so I expect it will be more than happy to pass this on to an organisation which will have teeth. I can’t imagine the airlines being at all happy, as the decisions will have to be accepted, getting rid of the pointless procrastination we have seen from certain airlines. No doubt costs will be passed on to the consumer. l Tony
Dubai airport ‘dirty’ Story: Dubai airport chief issues wake-up call to UK on Heathrow Dubai needs to sort itself out first. When I flew there, my expectations were high but the reality was hugely disappointing. It took 75 minutes to get through immigration and the terminal was dirty and scruffy. Possibly the terminal used by Emirates is the one they’ve spent all the money on. l Howardrd Travel Weekly would welcome a response from Dubai airport
STA disconnection Story: Bargain-hunters camp outside STA Travel to snap up £75 Air New Zealand tickets I called from 10am to 10.31am to try to book a flight with this offer. I managed to get through on both my home and mobile phones to be connected and waited for a booking agent, only to be disconnected – not once but more than 20 times. It was absolutely appalling.
l T Peters Travel Weekly would welcome a response from STA Travel
We pay your tax Special Report: Tax-man spurs take-up of tax-paid incentives This is certainly something agents need to be aware of to avoid any personal liability when it comes to paying tax and national insurance on incentive earnings. At Gold Medal we also offer tax- free cash incentives through our Farebank Rewards Scheme, as we understand agents don’t want to worry about how to declare additional income and just want to enjoy spending their rewards. l Ruth Hilton, head of sales and business development, Gold Medal
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Want divorce, TC?
LETTERS OF THE WEEK
Story: Cook reduces commission for third-party agents
So you want a divorce, Thomas Cook? OK, let me help you. That bag by the door contains your brochures, your web chat and everything else I’ve put up with. What? You’re sorry? No, I’m just sorry you used me and the rest of the trade to get back on your feet. Just to clarify any misunderstanding, I’ve popped you on stop-sell. l Jojo
I worked at Thomas Cook when they nearly went bust. They are arrogant if they think their own retail stores can sell all their holidays – it was third-party agents that helped save them by selling their product. l Greig
Stop whining about it. Prove Cook wrong by showing how much they need you. If they were wrong they will soon put the rates back up again, like Tui in 2011. l Shambles Travel Weekly would welcome a response from Cook
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Travelweekly.co.uk. The deadline is midday Monday.
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