Travel city say we're too late to change dates - if so we lose the holiday - HELP

[alexandra uk]

We're due to fly on 30th of November, and there is no way that we're going to be able to go on that date.
I phoned Travel city direct yesterday to change the dates to January, and was told that you could change your dates no later than 56 days before departure. I asked if that was that, and we'd lose all of our money, and was told "I'm sorry but yes you would". (something to do with allocation - if 10 people book a holiday with them, then they go and buy 10 places)
Not happy with this, I phoned back and spoke to another operator, who said that nobody on the phones had the authority to make this decision (although it is in the terms and conditions).
She said to call back on Monday and speak to the controller.

Has anyone got any tips or advice for me to make that call.
I know it is in the terms and conditions, but surely they could do it out of good will.
I've been planning this holiday for months, and been sooooo exited. I'll be absolutely gutted if we can't go, and thats not to mention the £2000 I'll lose, and money spent on Dis.cove MVMCP, and fantasmic dinner package.
Any help will be REALLY appreciated

 

[vernon]

Alex you don't mention why you're having to change your dates. That will have a big impact on what happens from now, if it's a genuine reason and you can get documentation to show your reason (i.e. from a doctor if someone's ill or for a family emergancy) you will be better placed. Your travel insurance should cover you in some circumstances, and there is a possibility your credit card would if you paid by CC. I feel certain that DC and Disney would both be flexible in altering arrangements but obviously your biggest worry is flights etc. Good luck.

 

[alexandra uk]

Vernon
The reason is because we have only just dicovered that I will need to obtain a visa to gain entry to the US.
I don't qualify for the visa waiver program.
My sister told me today that I should get a doctors note, but it is too late for that. T.C. know my reason.
I paid with a visa debit card, so I don't think that I would be covered

 

[athurstance]

Alex,

You could go ahead and apply for your visa and hope it comes through in time. The normal processing time for US holiday visa (B-2) is about 10 days. They are taking longer since Sep 11th but that should still give you plenty of time.
Some travel agents can apply on your behalf - they have to be authorised but since you are in a hurry you a probably best to download a form from their website and send it in yourself.

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_web/visa/niv/apply.htm

Has all the information you need about the B-2 visa.

http://travel.state.gov/DS-0156.pdf

is a link to the form you need to fill in.

I hope it works out for you.

Angela

 

[Claire L]

Alex,
I have heard that if you present yourself at the US embassy with all the correct documents that the visa could be done there and then. Or can someone tell me if that has changed due to 9/11.
Surely when you booked the travel company advised you of the need for a visa if you didn't qualify for the VWP, such as nationality etc?
Hope you can get your visa in time. I wish I could get a visa then there would be no filling in of forms each year!!
Claire

 

[DisneyAli]

Any news good or bad????

 

[alexandra uk]

Bad news I'm afraid
Weve got no chance. T.C won't budge, and there is absolutely no way of getting a visa, so we have to cancel.
If we cancel (in writing) in the next 6 days, then we'll get 50% of our money back, which we're going to put towards a holiday for Florida for next December.
I know its a long way off, but I've got my heart set on being there when the decs are up, and going to MVMCP on my birthday.
Thankyou all for your help and advice

 

[Fantasia Sam]

Alex

I can't believe this news - do you really have to cancel ?????

It seems such a shame after all the effort and everything that you've put in to this trip.

Can you not do what Claire L says??

I'm so sorry for you

 

[IAN5150]

I thought it was the booking agents duty to advise you on passport/visa needs they always have with me when ive bookeed hols

 

[Julia Ann]

I understand your situation, we had booked last year (1 year in advance) for 6 Oct and then SEPT 11 happened and we wanted to re-arranged the date for maybe a few months later. Although only 3 weeks to go the travel agent (lunn poly, First Choice) would not consider a change and said it was too late to change the date and if we cancelled we would lose all our money - even under these circumstances.
So we went anyway (i think i lost a stone in weight worrying before we went and lots of pressure from family not to go) and we had an amazing time - even better then when we went in 95 so glad didn't change it.

Good luck
Julia
x

 

[floridalol]

Hi Alex

There is no need to lose your holiday - I have just spoken to someone who says there would be no problem in obtaining a visa through the US Embassy for your holiday - please contact the Embassy direct (020 7499 9000) they will give you all the information you need.

Ian is correct in saying the booking agent should have advised you at time of booking - but they have probably covered themselves with stating that the responsibility lies with you in the small print on the booking form. Even so it would not hurt to telephone them and complain loudly - they may even help you get the visa.

Good luck!

 

[Muppet]

Hi Alex

I was wondering if one of the reasons for needing a visa were either illness or........criminal record. I can offer some insite as I had a similar problem when I first went with my chap.

I'm don't want to pry but it would be a terrible waste to have to cancel.

 

[alexandra uk]

Thanks Floridalol
I have contacted the US Embassy, and there is no chance.
They won't rush them through for anyone, not even for a fee anymore.
I did tell T.C.D that I wasn't made aware of this when I booked, and she said thats its written in the terms and conditions.
When I checked it was there right at the bottom of the page (who ever reads the terms and conditions)
Travel city done absolutely nothing to help us. I won't be booking with them for next year.

Thanks for your kind words Sam I tried to post yesterday, but the boards were playing up, so I gave up.

Muppet - I have sent you a PM

 

[Muppet]

Alex check your PMs

 

[floridalol]

Hi Alex

Sorry to hear about the bad news. An associate told me 14 days max for non-problem visas and passed the phone number on. Your travel agent sounds very disagreeable to me - complain to ABTA - I thought they would be covered by the small print but it still does not excuse them for not trying to help.

Better luck in the New Year.

 

[Scottish-Helen]

Sorry to hear about your problems, it IS the travel agents responsibility to advise you that visas may be required but the customers responsibility to check whether you personally need one. Where I used to work we once booked a client to Goa in India and the consultant failed to mention visas to our client. We ended up going to the embassy for them. Is there nothing Travel City can do to help you sort it out as they must surely take some of the blame if they didn't mention visas.

I really hope that you can somehow get this sorted out with the embassy.....Good Luck

 

[alexandra uk]

Helen
When I callec Travel City, I told them that we were not told this when we booked, and the operator said that it is written in they're terms and conditions.
When I checked, it was there, at the bottom of the page.
To be honest, Travel City were no help at all.