21/05/2014

A very disappointing response following my calls from Angela Harding. I would suggest that anyone wishing to call aftercare ask for her directly. Poor Laura has also heard so much about our case, she is probably bored with the sound of my voice....

Dear Mr Skegg,

Thank you for speaking with me regarding your holiday to Mallorca. I am sorry to read that you were unhappy with the service provided on the return journey during a flight delay. I understand that this would have been an extremely frustrating and disappointing way to end an otherwise enjoyable holiday. 

Delays can happen to airlines from time to time and I appreciate that the way that a flight delay is handled can be equally as frustrating as the delay itself so I am extremely sorry that, on this occasion, you felt that the delay was not handled adequately. 

I have been in touch with the Thomson Airport Manager in Mallorca to discuss this matter further as well as our Operations Centre in the UK and the Base Management Team at Gatwick Airport for further information regarding the flight and welfare information and delay to flight TOM4483, Palma to Gatwick, on 15th May 2014. 

I am sure that you appreciate that when the status of the flight is constantly changing information is changing too. As it is important to communicate timely and accurate information we will generally issue updates at set and regular intervals rather than every time information changes as, in the event of this particular delay, information was changing all the time. Generally we would rely on the handling agents to provide information airside, due to security restrictions. However, I understand that updates were given to you and accommodation was provided as soon as it was obvious that this delay was longer than first expected. 

From our records I can see that the welfare offered was in accordance with the guidelines of the Civil Aviation Authority at this time and throughout the delay I am sorry that you felt that this was inadequate. As a company that prides itself on customer service, this is disappointing to hear.  

 In the event of any unexpected delay, staff, accommodation and welfare must be provided at short notice and I can see that everything was done to make you as comfortable as possible throughout the delay so I can only apologise that this fell short of your expectations. 

I am sorry that you were informed that you would be met by a Holiday Advisor at the Hotel Belvedere and kept updated throughout your time there. The information which you were provided regarding the staff was correct, the majority of the Mallorca team do take a day off on this day as Wednesday is our quietest flight day and therefore minimal welcome meetings to be held on the Thursday. Staff members therefore had to be sourced at short notice. I am sorry for any upset or inconvenience caused. 

As soon as members of the team were available they were sent to the hotel to assist. They arrived at 20.00 and were available in the hotel until midnight to answer any questions. Before this, as soon as further information was available, a fax was sent to the hotel, at 18.45 with updated information and you were provided with rooms. The 24-7 Holidayline were also on hand to answer any questions and to provide up to date information. I can only apologise if you felt you were left without assistance.  

 Food and drinks were provided on an all-inclusive basis and rooms were provided for rest. Transfers were then arranged to take you back to the airport. In line with the information provided by the Operations Centre, a Dreamliner was attempted to be sourced however, this was not possible. It was then necessary for you to check-in again at the airport, for security reasons. An alternative flight was sourced at the earliest opportunity. I understand at this point our representatives Anna and Nicola did offer customers water and milk for children. 

Our airport team were in the airport until 05:15 and were in communication with Iberia who were responsible for customers airside, and when instruction was given the Iberia team were informed to offer a further five euro welfare voucher to customers towards a drink and a snack. Our team were back in the airport at 07:00am when the new shift started. However, due to security restrictions, these team members were not available in the departure lounge, airside. There are also drinks machines available in the departure area for customers to use when shops and cafes are not open. The safety and security of our customers is paramount so it is disappointing to hear that in this instance you felt that the assistance was inadequate. 

I understand that information about the delay has been provided to you in a letter, for insurance purposes. As a company we would not compensate for flight delays, however, this letter provides all the necessary information for pursuing a claim through your insurance company. I am unable to share with you the flight logs you have requested. They contain sensitive business critical information and are for internal use only. However, these may be requested legally. 

Baggage handlers deal with any aircraft as quickly as possible, however due to a number of factors such as delays, diversions, weather, handling issues at other airports, at an airport such as Gatwick they cannot be guaranteed what aircraft lands when. Because your flight was delayed and therefore at an unscheduled time, this may not have been given priority by the handlers, however, they were aware of your arrival and this is outside our control as a company. As discussed, due to security reasons, we are unable to employ staff within any UK airport so I can only apologise that you felt information was lacking. 

I have ensured that your feedback has been passed on to the Base management team at London Gatwick Airport. 

I am sorry that you felt the service during your return and post travel has been insufficient and that this has marred the end of holiday. I do hope that I have been able to offer a further explanation into our procedures. We would not offer compensation for a flight delay of this kind and the assistance that was offered was in line with CAA guidelines so I am sorry that you felt the service and welfare was inadequate.  

Yours sincerely, 

Angela Harding
Investigations Team Manager 

After Travel Customer Support 

Tel: 0844 871 0882