Booking Online-a few questions!!

[WaT05]

Hi I'm wanting to book my holiday online this time round (last year booked through a travel agent) but I'm a little confused by some things
I'm looking to book a package through First choice for me and my sister for next Dec my problems are:
a) The package includes a car however me and my sister don't need this but it doesn't give you the option online not to select it. Should I book anyway and then ring them up and ask them to take it off. If I do this will they charge me an admin fee for changing a booking?

b) My sister and I would like a non-smoking room but again theres not an option for that, should I ring them to make that request?

c) When I book do I have to pay the whole amount upfront or do I just pay a deposit?

d) Do I have to choose their travel insurance or can I book without it and then find one of my own?

Sorry for all the questions hope their not too stupid!! but not booked a holiday through the net before.

Thanks for your help
Hazel

 

[kristieuk]

Will try to help....

a) if the package includes a car, but you don't want it, just don't collect it. There is no obligation on you to take it, but I doubt whether the cost of the holiday will be reduced even if you do tell them. You could call them to let them know, and I shouldn't think this would be classed as a 'change' incurring any charge.

b) I woul call them to request a no-smoking room, but also email the hotel directly, and then when you arrive, check that's what you have.

c) I think if you are travelling more than 8 weeks away, you just pay a deposit, and then the balance 8 weeks before. Otherwise, it's the whole amount.

d) you can book your own travel insurance - I should, it will be much cheaper. Some operaters will insist on you either confirming you have it, or even ask for the details, but I don't think First Choice request the actual details.

Don't worry about asking questions - that's the joy of information sharing! There will be loads of times you can help someone else

 

[Bonnie151]

We booked our holiday online through First Choice last Sept. I don't know all of the answers to your questions, but can take a stab...


A) I don't know - I'm assuming the site doesn't give you an option to remove the car in favour of transfers? (we booked a car) If not, phone - there are quite a few things you need to book via the phone (if wanted- e.g. park tickets, the DDP etc) so I wouldn't think they'd charge an admin fee for something that can't be done online.

B) You do need to phone to make any room requests like non-smoking.

C) You will need to pay a deposit- £160pp and they charge a fee if you pay via credit card (2%?).

D) When you book online there will be an option to purchase their insurance. You need to make sure you opt out of it.

 

[arieliwish]

Hi,

I've booked twice with first choice, both times by phoning their web help number - then you pay the web price not brochure price. You can specify anything with them over the phone, we got car hire but not car ins or travel ins, we added Disney tickets and DDP, we even booked our airport parking with them. I've always found them to be very helpful.

Lynn

 

[WaT05]

Thanks so much for your replies you've been really helpful