Complaint Resolution & Reimbursement

[angel voy]

My return trip from Athens, Greece non stop to Newark, New Jersey on Continental flight #105 on October 9, 2008 was canceled two days after I arrived here in Greece June 12th. Countless emails, agonizing waits on long distance calls to Continental & Expedia, three letters sent August 11th to three top executives of the airline & absolutely nada NO Response. When I related that I had bought flight insurance to Expedia & expected them to help me at least find me another flight; they claimed that once the first leg of the trip is in progress, the airline was now responsible. The airline has just ignored me so I booked a flight on Olympic Airlines non stop from Athens to JFK, New York (which is difficult for me, I'm a senior citizen, plus the added travel time & cost to the Lehigh Valley).:mad:

The cost incurred for airfare on Olympic one way was 542.59 Euros(over $800.00) My round trip ticket on Continental was about $1400.00. How do I go about getting reimbursed? Can you help me?
Thank you,:confused:

Angel Voyatzis

[Loonbeam]

I'm ot sure if we can help you directly (although you might want to contact Chris Elliott directly, I'm not sure if he will see this), but if you could perhaps post some of the correspondence you have already sent and received, we might be able to suggest some avenues of response.

(And be prepared for the onslaught of online agencies not so good posts that may result :) )

A couple of questions come to mind. You purchased travel insurance but was it via Expedia with another company, or direct from Expedia. That makes a difference.

Also, did the airline offer you ANY flight options when they canceled the flight?

[Kairho]

As you are in the middle of the trip you really need to contact Continental. They probably already have you protected on an alternate flight and have been just as unable to contact you because you are not at your home.

Have you contacted their office in Athens?

00.800.441.4.3592 (Reservations, OnePass rewards and OnePass Service Center/toll free)
Monday – Sunday 0900-1700

[jfrenaye]

DO you have travel insurance? If so you may be covered. If it was just the flight insurance from Expedia (never a good deal) you may be out of luck.

But, Kairho is correct and CO is typically pretty proactive. Give them a call. Going to the top at this point may not be the fastest way to a resolution. Call someone that you think can help you and if you do not get the resolution ask for their supervisor---and keep asking your way up till someone will help you

[Kairho]

It should be added that if Continental has rebooked you on an alternative flight within a reasonable time you will probably have an uphill battle with getting reimbursement.

[bodega]

How did you find out your flight was cancelled? Was it by email from Expedia? Normally, when a flight is cancelled, the travel company who issued the ticket is notified by the carrier and alternate flights are provided. As John and Kairho mentioned, there is a good chance you have return flights already booked. Did you go to Continental's couter at the airport and speak with them?

I tell my cilents that if they have an issue to go to a local travel agency if they can't reach me or the airline. I have assisted many international travelers who walked in needing questions answered or assisting in making a call to the airline for them. I am so sorry that you booked on line. This is where having a travel professional available to assist you is worth our fee!

Has Olympic Airways started flying again? They were closing down last week and relaunching, but I hadn't heard that they were back up. When did your purchase your Olympic ticket?