How British Airways tried to double price of holidays after accidentally selling them at a discount
British Airways has backtracked after demanding customers cover the cost of an error that saw Greek holidays handed out at half price.
A blunder on the airline’s website meant stays at a five-star resort in Corfu were advertised at 50 per cent of the real price.
The firm then insisted that those who had already booked pay thousands more for their trips or cancel — and only backed down when Money Mail intervened.
A blunder on BA’s website meant holidays at a five-star resort in Corfu were advertised at 50 per cent of the real price
Charles Bennett, 51, was one of the 58 customers whom BA wrote to last week. The father-of-one booked his week at the Domes Miramare in December last year.
He paid a £350 deposit for the £3,328.25 week-long stay in a private suite for himself and his wife Emma, 54, in July.
But then BA wrote to say the holiday would actually cost him £6,318. He was offered a £500 voucher to put towards the new price.
His holiday would be cancelled if he did not agree to pay, and he would only receive the voucher and his deposit.
Charles, who lives near Hitchin, Hetfordshire, says: ‘I feel let down by BA and have been put off using it again.’
When he wrote back, an employee responded by pointing to a clause in its terms and conditions, which read: ‘On rare occasions of an incorrect price bookable… we reserve the right to cancel bookings.’
But consumer law specialist Gary Rycroft says: ‘Mr Bennett has signed a legally binding contract with BA and if he still wants to go on that holiday for the price that he signed up to then he can.’
After Money Mail put Mr Rycroft’s comments to BA it agreed to honour the original bookings of all 58 customers affected.
A BA spokesman says: ‘We pride ourselves on providing industry-leading customer service and that means putting things right if they go wrong.’
It is not the first time BA has advertised prices too low by mistake. In 2018 more than 2,000 flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv were advertised for £1, plus airport taxes.