[fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in Business under $850

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I think there is a TandC sayig that they don't have to honour IT mistakes. However, that aside, I am wondering how the US DOT would handle this... or even if they can.

We know when AA sold the mistake fares on CX the DOT stepped in to say that compensation for any incidentals was required (that is, if you booked connecting flights and/or hotels). However - the DOT doesn't have juristiction of tickets purchased in Myanmar I wouldn't have thought.

They might (for US residents) have some sort of pull against SQ (given that SQ flies into the USA) - but again Silk Air does not, and Silk Air is a subsidiary only.

I have been in touch with the DOT (both at their DC office and through a very helpful agent on email) and they have confirmed that they do not have jurisdiction as (at least in my case) there is no travel to, through or from the US. They have suggested, however, that the Better Business Bureau may be able to assist if the fares were purchased through a US-based travel agent (online or shopfront) by way of consumer protection laws. They also directed me to some relevant legislation and a governing body in the EU as my travel is to Europe. And finally, I have been in touch with Singapore's statutory body responsible for consumer protection who has advised that they can get involved once an actual charge has been made to the credit card. I have all these contact details if anyone would like them.

A very quick google search for Silk Air returns the following in respect of web bookings under 'use of online web booking facility:

This does state 'to the maximum extent possible'... and I suspect, if you could find the appropriate jurisdiction, that MI might have a case to answer in respect of consequential losses. However - it seems that might be a court process and not something you could resolve at the airport counter when you are about to board...

I noted this section, too and it had me concerned. However, I think there's a fair bit that has happened to a number of people on here with these fares that nullifies that 'get out' clause. In my case, it's been well over two weeks since the transaction was made. I have PNRs and e-ticket numbers. I have been able to select my seats. And I even got a "!" when I logged into my KrisFlyer account to tell me there had been a schedule change to two of my flights. When I called SQ to confirm, they did! Everything was fine. The gentleman even went on to ask if I had any special or religious meal requests. So, the booking has certainly been "registered" and it certainly hasn't been "delayed". In error, maybe. But why multiple contacts with "confirmed" scribbled all over them? As recently as four or so hours ago, my parents received an automated email confirming their schedule changes with "ok" and "confirmed" against all flights. Surely arguing "error" now is pretty darn difficult. As I've asked above, when is "confirmed" not confirmed?

I just want my credit card to be charged!!

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I noted this section, too and it had me concerned. However, I think there's a fair bit that has happened to a number of people on here with these fares that nullifies that 'get out' clause. In my case, it's been well over two weeks since the transaction was made. I have PNRs and e-ticket numbers. I have been able to select my seats. And I even got a "!" when I logged into my KrisFlyer account to tell me there had been a schedule change to two of my flights. When I called SQ to confirm, they did! Everything was fine. The gentleman even went on to ask if I had any special or religious meal requests. So, the booking has certainly been "registered" and it certainly hasn't been "delayed". In error, maybe. But why multiple contacts with "confirmed" scribbled all over them? As recently as four or so hours ago, my parents received an automated email confirming their schedule changes with "ok" and "confirmed" against all flights. Surely arguing "error" now is pretty darn difficult. As I've asked above, when is "confirmed" not confirmed?

I just want my credit card to be charged!!

The issue is that MI not honouring the fare will be a breach of contract. What people automatically want is specific performance of that contract - that is, the flights to be performed as stated on your ticket.

However, specific performance is only one remedy to breach of contract, and as we have seen in USA cases, is not something that can just be resolved at the check-in counter. If everything went your way, and you were able to get SP granted, it would be after a lengthy legal fight... unless you were able to get a consumer body on your side (like the DOT in the US) to take up your case. Ultimately however the DOT was not successful in getting SP for the CX mistakes. They accepted, at first instance, rerouting on AA metal as an acceptable alternative. For those passengers who rejected that option, the DOT got the incidental costs. I have not followed the thread very recently so am not sure what updates came later... however the relevant issue is that people cold not just turn up at the airport and expect to travel.

In answer to your question.. 'confirmed' is not 'confirmed' until you are actually sitting on the plane. At any time a party to the contract can breach that contract. There may be penalties for doing so, but the airline may rather deny your boarding and suffer the consequences of a legal flight rather than fork out $$ to another carrier if the ticket purchased involved carriers on the ticket, or forego revenue from a full fare paying passenger (although the latter is rather unlikely in SQ R class because I'm not so sure how often that goes out full).

We do have some anecdotal evidence of how SQ has handled situations in the past. When the A380 started to come on line, we know passengers holding F class tickets on say a 747 were offered biz class tickets on the A380 (or told to take another flight where they could fly the 747). We know SQ later changed this and protected F class pax in R - BUT - those pax were not allowed to change their flight to another A380 service in R. It was a 'one off' protection for the flight originally stated in your itinerary (this happened to me on one of the first SIN-MEL flights operated by the A380).

So SQ can be pretty rigid in their application of the rules. And I was on a full paid F ticket, contracted for a particular flight on a particular day, and they were happy to break that contract and confirm me in C, or make me fly another day. (Thankfully though they did change that as I mentioned.)

So confirmed does not always mean confirmed in the smaller sense. (In the larger sense, confirmed doesn't really mean confirmed either because they have let out clauses not guaranteeing your departure time, arrival time, or even to carry you to the destination listed on the ticket, or even to have a seat available for you if they oversell). This is why the EU and DOT have to step in either with legislation, or to help with consumer protection.

There may be some people who have the luck and are able to travel on this ticket. Others may get caught when a review of the ticket is done. I know the golden rule is not to call the airline where mistake fares are concerned. But that makes it very difficult to get certainty around your liklihood for travel. If you went to court, perhaps a legitimate question you would be asked is this 'did you have any reason to suspect your $850 fare for First class could have been an error?'. (especially relevant if they can determine you are a frequent flyer). Followed by 'if you thought this might have been an error, did you contact the airline to confirm the validity before you commenced travel to pick up that flight?'.

Not saying you should do that. But those could be valid questions.

 

[lovetravellingoz]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

This is a bit reminiscent of the time when AA sold QF First class for a song.

The fares were rescinded unless more was paid.
In that case the mistake spread like wildfire, and so it was probably too big a mistake to ignore.

I would speculate that in this case that it may too depend on how many people booked the mistake fare.

 

[one9]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I just want my credit card to be charged!!

Just to let everyone know that my credit card was charged shortly after I purchased the airfares. I charged it to an Amex card and I have three confirmed transactions on the Amex card (I bought 3 tickets).

I guess there may be a different delay depending on the payment processor (eg. Visa, Mastercard, Amex)...eg. It probably does a pre-authorisation when you do the booking, and different card schemes have different policy's for the pre-authorisation capture time frame.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Many thanks to brads92 for the heads up - unfortunately I was too late, but good to see the sharing and caring

Now, I'm off to trawl various airlines for odd routings

Its sort of like modern day prospecting!!

 

[traveloguy]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

As has been mentioned earlier, I'm going to be a Guinea Pig for the booking I did with Cheapoair in late June, but I rung Qantas yesterday about something else, and got them to check my booking (I'm flying BA, with a QF flight number), and it's all good. All paid for, ticketed etc....Off to Europe mostly in First for a fantastic price! Gotta love AFF!

Never ever ever call any airline re a mistake fare. It is effectively the fastest way to shut the thing down.

Whilst I realise that this fare is now gone, alerting carriers even to put in an FF number is a big no no.

Also recognise that trade practises act etc won't protect you. Just be thankful for a refund.

 

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Finally, my credit card has been charged.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Never ever ever call any airline re a mistake fare. It is effectively the fastest way to shut the thing down.

Whilst I realise that this fare is now gone, alerting carriers even to put in an FF number is a big no no.

Also recognise that trade practises act etc won't protect you. Just be thankful for a refund.

i realise the best thing for a mistake fare is not to call. However this deal has already been closed down.

If the mistake fare was ex AU - then no worries... you could turn up at the airport and go home if necessary.

Leaving from a foreign port however, and one that is not particularly easy to get to, and having to meet visa requirements can all pose a risk. especially if you spend $$ getting there and then may effectively have no return ticket (breach of visa).

Its a very tough call on this one, particularly given there is anecdotal evidence that another passenger has already been refused travel. (If they had completed this successfully then different story).

 

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I've learned there's a visa issue.

Myanmar does not have multiple entry visas. The Embassy in Canberra issues only 28 day, single entry visas. (The cost is $35 and you cannot apply greater than three months before travel.)

Return travel out of Yangon will obviously require two 'visits' to Myanmar. As far as I can tell, this requires visiting a Myanmar Embassy at your destination to get a second single entry visa, before returning to Yangon.

I'm seeking advice as to any other options.

 

[TEAL]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Finally, my credit card has been charged.

Everyone wasting their time, Silk/SIA are not going to wear the cost nor honor the flights, all ticket holders will be contacted , the funds be returned, - can contact DOT who every , it's all under old hague convention rules, when with online sale. what is the old sayings" if it's looks too good be true, then it's not true" + "buyer be ware" ...

 

[Alanslegal]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Everyone wasting their time, Silk/SIA are not going to wear the cost nor honor the flights, all ticket holders will be contacted , the funds be returned, - can contact DOT who every , it's all under old hague convention rules, when with online sale. what is the old sayings" if it's looks too good be true, then it's not true" + "buyer be ware" ...

I am more than optimistic that, at least, my fare will be honoured. I have had no indications to date that MI are planning to cancel my ticket, even though I know from other past experiences they could eg KE. With caveat emptor ; well we're dealing with a large'ish organisation here, not some dodgy online seller via iwanttoripyouoff.com . MI might end up cancelling the fare, so what? They're going to refund any funds taken too. No loss really. Alternate remedy, do a cc chargeback.

In the worst case I fly to Myanmar and get refused boarding, again no loss. I would have a trip to Myanmar, tick another country off my travel list, number 39 or whatever it is, and then fly back to SIN, BKK or KUL where I periodically travel to anyway.

And who said MI/SQ is not willing to wear the cost? I mean, some businesses do intentionally sell things at a loss. I know its not ideal for them but let's say they had a perishable good eg. food or lets say in this case, that J seat was going to be empty anyway. MI/SQ might even let things fly. (pun intended).

 

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Two articles noting SQ has a history of honouring mistake fares (not that I'm necessarily saying these are mistakes fares!):

KRALEV: Airlines refuse to honor mistake fares - Washington Times

The Truth About Mistake Airfares : Daily Traveler : Condé Nast Traveler

 

[traveloguy]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

It does not matter. I would never call regardless, as you don't know how many people are mid travel erc. You highlighting it to the airline can strand others across globe who have travelled a lot further than Oz, sometimes mid trip.

The only reason to contact is to request a refund, but even that....

Those of you have are now stuck only have yourselves to blame.

 

[SeatBackForward]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

It does not matter. I would never call regardless, as you don't know how many people are mid travel erc. You highlighting it to the airline can strand others across globe who have travelled a lot further than Oz, sometimes mid trip.

The only reason to contact is to request a refund, but even that....

Those of you have are now stuck only have yourselves to blame.

A noble approach but you're banking on every other user adopting the same approach, which more than likely wont happen.

 

[traveloguy]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Sadly you are correct. I actuality know someone in this position right now (it does not help that it is the leading article on AFF), but sadly there are a lot of newbies out there that don't necessarily understand the cause and effect of their actions.

The golden rule is that should you not be in a position to book or have concerns, don't book to begin with. If you do want to go with it, do so but keep your self low profile.

The actions displayed in the thread led to similar action shutting down a deal a few years back. Fortunately I never took advantage as the dates never worked for me, but I know several who did. I also know of several standings...

 

[oz_mark]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I'm seeking advice as to any other options.

Business Visa?

 

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Business Visa?

Hmmm. What's this business visa you speak of?

 

[oz_mark]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

Hmmm. What's this business visa you speak of?

I was under the impression that there was a mutliple entry business visa for Myanmar (although you would need a letter from a compant within Myanmar).

There is also a land (or sea?) based way of doing things through Thailand.

 

[Danger]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I was under the impression that there was a mutliple entry business visa for Myanmar (although you would need a letter from a compant within Myanmar).

There is also a land (or sea?) based way of doing things through Thailand.

Great. Thanks. I'll look into it.

 

[travelislife]

Re: [fare gone] Yangon to New York, London etc. R/T in C < $800

I am more than optimistic that, at least, my fare will be honoured. I have had no indications to date that MI are planning to cancel my ticket, even though I know from other past experiences they could eg KE. With caveat emptor ; well we're dealing with a large'ish organisation here, not some dodgy online seller via iwanttoripyouoff.com . MI might end up cancelling the fare, so what? They're going to refund any funds taken too. No loss really. Alternate remedy, do a cc chargeback.

In the worst case I fly to Myanmar and get refused boarding, again no loss. I would have a trip to Myanmar, tick another country off my travel list, number 39 or whatever it is, and then fly back to SIN, BKK or KUL where I periodically travel to anyway.

And who said MI/SQ is not willing to wear the cost? I mean, some businesses do intentionally sell things at a loss. I know its not ideal for them but let's say they had a perishable good eg. food or lets say in this case, that J seat was going to be empty anyway. MI/SQ might even let things fly. (pun intended).

This is the perfect attitude in this situation. And trust me you won't be disappointed with a visit to Burma, a great place.

I wish I had been in on this just cause I love the gamble of it with not much to lose, adds a bit of excitement to travels and life!