Holiday now cheaper and haven't yet paid balance ...

**Samba** · 06-03-2009, 12:35pm

I booked our holiday in Nov with First Choice, just paying the deposit. The balance is now due (holiday is in May) and I just looked online and the exact same holiday is now £363 cheaper

I made sure I'd selected all the same options, and they have definitely brought the price down.

Do I have a leg to stand on to pay the balance minus £363 so its the same price as currently advertised? I wouldn't bother if it was just a couple of quid, but that's quite a lot in my book!

what do you think?

**Mrs B** · 06-03-2009, 02:12pm

I don't know the legal position, but you have to at least ask them - the worst they can say is "no". Good luck - this happened with us a couple of years ago but I'd already paid the balance so didn't bother asking.

**Samba** · 06-03-2009, 04:20pm

actually Ive worked out it will still save us money if I cancel & lose the deposit, and then rebook. crazy! but will try this if all else fails.

**RedTiger** · 06-03-2009, 04:24pm

I daren't check mine

Although the hotel we are going to came up as unavailable online, and we are going in the school hols so I suppose it's unlikely to be cheaper. Definately ask the TA about it Samba

if you don't ask you definately won't get anything off it!

**Samba** · 06-03-2009, 04:25pm

I booked online, which is why I think i'll hit a brick wall

will report back!

**Chocolate Lips** · 06-03-2009, 04:27pm

I don't think you would be entitled to have it any cheaper.

**Jubjub** · 06-03-2009, 04:48pm

I'd give them a ring and explain the situation. All you'll need to do is threaten to cancel (losing your deposit is not important if the saving is greater) and book with someone else and I'm sure they'll knock the difference off the balance.

**Samba** · 06-03-2009, 05:15pm

hmmm well I finally got through on their premium rate phoneline (

) - no joy.

she was quick to point out that the deposit I paid was a 'low deposit' and they are entitled to the 'full deposit' should we cancel

It says on the website you get the deposit back if its over 56 days til your hol (it is)

I asked how they would get the extra if I just cancelled now, and she said it would be handed to their legal dept. so they've got it covered really.

I think its a bit of a p*ss take really and will make me think twice about booking so far in advance again. They are currently offering free redundancy protection - so again, penalised for booking early.

I may still go into a FC shop and have it out with the manager though. I'm nothing if not persistant

**Toots** · 06-03-2009, 05:58pm

I'm pretty sure it'll say in their T&Cs that you have to pay the price as stated at time of booking. When I was a travel agent prices used to go up and down all the time depending on the demand for the places. It's why there are the last minute cheap deals to fill the space. I don't think that they will change it. Sorry.