p34-5 letters sep18 15/9/09 18:19 Page 35
ttglive.com
letters
On the Beach responds to Bed bank dilemma? We sleep Bmibaby, unlike easyJet and Ryanair, has yet to
gripe about web pricing easy by paying instantly make a profit. This, as well as the uncertainty
Having now investigated this claim I can state At Benidorm Direct we have always put the surrounding the future of the BMI group, poses
that the original holiday that was booked online client’s payment first (“Abta agents face bed the question as to how sustainable Bmibaby’s
by Tracy Lock was in fact available (ttglive: “On bank dilemma”, TTG September 11). growth plans at East Midlands really are.
the Beach refutes false-pricing claim”). We have a system in place that makes sure EasyJet and Ryanair must be doing something
The customer called one hour after making all accommodation is paid for instantly. right, whether the travel trade likes it or not.
the order to change it. As we were in the No bond needed, just honest accounting. It’s
process of booking the holiday we were able to easy, simple and foolproof. Krishnan Iyengar, data analyst
accommodate the customer’s request.
Unfortunately, the customer’s card failed Keith Phelps The internet needs policing
security and therefore the customer was advised partner, Benidorm Direct to protect all in the trade
that we were unable to continue with the Politicians are becoming confused by the torrent
booking until a valid card was used. Not much to split them but of abuses and freedoms seemingly perpetuated
The customer chose to cancel her order free easyJet edges it over Ryanair in the name of commercial un-restraint and
of charge as card details could not be provided. Having travelled frequently with both Ryanair freedom of the new “online” world order.
We did offer the holiday booked in the first and easyJet, I’d say there is not a lot between Corporations and businesses convince politi-
place, as we do for most customers, and we take them except that easyjet is more flexible. cians and consumers that buying and selling is
pride in the service and quality we provide. I’ve been on a couple of Ryanair flights that now all very different because it is done on this
were borderline-late but they still put on that new magical world called the internet.
Johnny Pollard irritating announcement saying they were early The internet is a not a parallel world. It is
commercial director, On the Beach when in fact they were only just about on time. merely a new world, running on the same
Ryanair are out to squeeze every last penny underlying fundamental laws of our civilisation.
Tracy Lock responds: I did not want to change out of their passengers. EasyJet changed a The only difference is that the policing this
my holiday. I wanted to book it at the price flight ticket for me, which was accidentally in virtual world is becoming increasingly difficult.
advertised on the net, which I think is fair. my maiden name, with no fuss – and no charge. Internet trade websites, ISPs and technology
Why should I pay more via a call centre? So at the moment, easyJet has the edge providers must be made fully accountable for
Probably because the online holiday was not when it comes to customer service. content and transactions they allow on their
available at the price advertised. “worlds”, much the same as retailers, tenants
I was told by agents that it was only available Carole Cooper and landlords do in their own shops and stores.
at the non-discounted rate. I couldn’t see why, owner/partner, Small Families Holidays
so I tried to book online again to get the
Helder Lemos
discount but, again, it was not available. If EasyJet gets to grips with embark/
partner/manager, Gallivant Travel Agency
So I gave up and went and booked with disembark efficiency – one thing that
another online retailer. Ryanair has to a tee – they will, in effect, tick all
What do you think?
of the boxes and enjoy the edge they are seeking.
In On the Beach’s defence, it is difficult The deadline for letters is 10am on Tuesday.
for prices to be 100% live all the time. Marilyn Roberts We need your name, job title and company
However, I would have thought that with the financial director, Jetline Travel address. These will be withheld on request.
size of the company and the number of passen- Priority is given to letters sent exclusively
gers carried each year, the technology to offer Trade support for Bmibaby to TTG. Please limit letters to 250 words
a live website via XML feeds is quite readily ignores its profit credentials maximum. We reserve the right to edit.
available. It would certainly stamp out at lot of It is all too easy for the travel trade fraternity Email: ttgletters@ttglive.com
what has been written by disgruntled clients. to condemn easyJet and Ryanair as “anti-trade” Fax: 020 7921 8033
and to welcome Bmibaby’s expansion plans at Blog: Or why not have your say online?
Mark Littlejohns East Midlands as being supposedly “pro-trade”. Write a blog at yourspace-ttglive.com
sales supervisor, Complete Travel Solutions This, however, overlooks the fact that
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18.09.2009 35
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