help and advice please!!!

[gaylie]

I am in such a quandry....my 8 year old Grandson was supposed to be coming with us on our next trip, but because we are going for 23 nights, his Mother (sons ex partner) said it was too long and that if we were going for 14 nights he could go (us paying here)....since then (last October) and now, she has re-married and now going through a divorce....(yes I know, but she wanted to play happy families, and didnt want him to come with us kwhilst she had a new man in her life)..I have obviously booked our flights and just paid the balance, and today he tells me that Mum will let him go now....(as it suits her)....Im trying desperately to get a flight just for a child for our dates (although I now have to try and find the extra money for everything) but I cant find anything....any and all advice would be gratefully received....I really feel its too late for us to do anything about this, but I dont think I cant bear to see his little face upset.....

 

[Pegasus928]

As hard as it will be to see him being upset it won't be down to you. They can't mention this at the last minute and just expect everything to fall into place as if by magic. He is obviously too young to travel alone and the chances of there being room on the plane you are on are slim at best.
Is this your only trip or is there a chance you could sweeten the pillby saying you will take him next time.

 

[2Tiggies]

Who are you flying with? Have you contacted the airline? (I assume you have but you didn't say).

 

[dixonsontour]

Maybe better to plan on him coming next time.

Also would the school authorise such a long absence - thought 10 days was the maximum.

 

[Netty]

Oh no what a mess Gail! But wonderful news that he may be going have you tried charter, va and vh
sorry not much help to you on this will try when i get back home

 

[2Tiggies]

Oh no what a mess Gail! But wonderful news that he may be going have you tried charter, va and vh
sorry not much help to you on this will try when i get back home

The trouble is it is not a case of finding any flight. The child will have to be on the same flight as at least one of the adults. ALthough not by law, I cannot imagine the little boy's mother consenting to him flying alone - especially after all this. The only other alternative would be to purchase two extra flights so that one of the adults (preferably the boy's dad) would fly with him. But that is such a costly method as they would lose the ticket already paid for.

 

[crabbie1]

As hard as it is and the upset it will cause I would hv to say no now. Tht will teach her a lesson at her sons expense. Not fair on the little chap. Ex's are v good at emotional blackmail!!! If ur flight did hv a seat and you hv the money yo buy this and an extra ticket then thts a decision tht could b an option. I wouldnt like to make the decision for you. I had this happen when me and my ex got married in florida. My ex's sons mom said he couldnt go then a month before said he could. When everything is paid it is hard. Hope u sort things out.

 

[disneyholic family]

Who are you flying with? Have you contacted the airline? (I assume you have but you didn't say).

yes, have you contacted the airline?
they might be able to help....

 

[Netty]

The trouble is it is not a case of finding any flight. The child will have to be on the same flight as at least one of the adults. ALthough not by law, I cannot imagine the little boy's mother consenting to him flying alone - especially after all this. The only other alternative would be to purchase two extra flights so that one of the adults (preferably the boy's dad) would fly with him. But that is such a costly method as they would lose the ticket already paid for.

sorry i should of explained
he's actually my great nephew!
we are all on the same flight apart from his dad as he is flying out earlier
so Gail will have to find a ticket for this flight, looks like she is having trouble doing that...

 

[gaylie]

Guys I have to thank you all for your advice......I think its going to end in heart-break for my Grandson and myself.....Yes we will go again, but it wont be for a couple of years again now, as a Florida holiday has doubled in price now...
I will ring VA and see if I can purchase a childs ticket for the flight!!! my DH says we will get a loan to take him now if we could just get a flight....so fingers crossed....and once again thank you all

 

[Pegasus928]

Guys I have to thank you all for your advice......I think its going to end in heart-break for my Grandson and myself.....Yes we will go again, but it wont be for a couple of years again now, as a Florida holiday has doubled in price now...
I will ring VA and see if I can purchase a childs ticket for the flight!!! my DH says we will get a loan to take him now if we could just get a flight....so fingers crossed....and once again thank you all

Please come back and tell us how it works out.

And here's some pixie dust in the hope it lands on the shoulders of whoever you contact at VA

 

[crabbie1]

Oh had sad. Pixie dust all round. Xxx

 

[jtlover]

I have an idea, if you change one of the flights to be your grandson instead and then look for a separate flight for either you or your husband on the day or a day or so different, not ideal but thought worth putting forward

That way you can all go

I dont know what the flight change cost is but might be worth doing

 

[2Tiggies]

I have an idea, if you change one of the flights to be your grandson instead and then look for a separate flight for either you or your husband on the day or a day or so different, not ideal but thought worth putting forward

That way you can all go

I dont know what the flight change cost is but might be worth doing

Depends on the category of ticket you have. The 'discounted' fares are usually not transferrable.

 

[gaylie]

I have an idea, if you change one of the flights to be your grandson instead and then look for a separate flight for either you or your husband on the day or a day or so different, not ideal but thought worth putting forward

That way you can all go

I dont know what the flight change cost is but might be worth doing

Its a good idea.....but I hate flying, and can only fly with DH, pathetic I know, but thats just me.....and I have rang VA as well.....they are getting back to me.....

 

[gaylie]

Please come back and tell us how it works out.

And here's some pixie dust in the hope it lands on the shoulders of whoever you contact at VA

Hi everyone, just to let you know that I managed to get my Grandson a flight for the grand total of £800 - suffice to say at this late stage in our savings we will not be able to afford to take him....'its okay Nanny, I will come next time' - Im gutted, but there's no way I can conjure up this price, let alone upgrade the car-hire and pay for park tickets .......so we will be returning in 2 years time with our 10 year old Grandson....Thanks for all your suggestions.......