myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Does anyone know if XL are going to re-start their Saturday flights to Tobago for the Winter 08/09 season? We are in the process of trying to sort out our trip next February and at the moment they only have Wednesday flights listed which is a real problem as it means taking two extra days of annual leave. On their timetable page on the website they do have a line with Saturday flights listed on it during January 09 only but these don't appear if you do a flight search. Any information gratefully received!

Sue

Hi Sue
We had booked our flight earlier this year for January next year on Saturday, we received a letter telling us that we would have to change to Wednesday and when I spoke to people at XL they advised that at present they had no plans to operate more than once a week.
Like you this has meant taking more time off work but Tobago's worth it really.
Regards
Paul

Hi Sue

As reported on our XL Airway page (menu: Tobago/Getting to Tobago/Air Travel/United Kingdom) for the last couple of months, XL are discontinuing the Thursday/Saturday flights and non-stop flights to Tobago. From the end of this summer, there will be just a single Wednesday flight via Grenada. It's a real bummer, I agree.

Hello Sue, I would endorse what Paul said, same thing happened to me. XL have new planes coming and I guess they carry more passengers, so maybe they can't justify two flights a week.
All Wednesday flights are also calling at Grenada, adding a couple of hours to the trip.
Personaly I would put up with all sorts of inconvenience when Tobago is the destination.
Regards, Jack.

Thanks for the info everyone. I'll go ahead and book the Wednesday flight and not leave it any longer.

I entirely agree that Tobago is worth it (this will be our fourth trip there), it is just a bit difficult fitting husband's leave allowance with mine and any days that can be saved by not travelling mid week are a real bonus. It was really great to fly on Saturday this year and I'm bit annoyed that it isn't going to be possible next year. Oh well, such is life! At least I can go, which is more than a lot of people are able to.

Oh dear, this is a complete farce.

Well, I was supposed to be travelling with XL (booked direct) on the 3rd of December and having just heard this news from another Tobago-phile, I have had to rapidly re-book with BA. That does mean we are paying roughly the same but now having to travel economy as opposed to XL One.

I have called XL and Freedom Flights and the customer service is shocking. I haven't yet received my letter and it won't surprise anyone to know that your payments are not being refunded in the letters! In fact, you have to write or email to 'cancel' your booking in order to get your refund! When I explained to the rep that in fact they had cancelled it and that I had no desire to cancel it, I was told I wouldn't be able to get my refund. I don't mind procedure, but I do mind ridiculous hoops and bureaucracy for the sake of it.

We rent a villa over in Tobago too, so this is also going to screw up a lot of our bookings and the holidays of countless people. I am fuming! I just hope everyone manages to get onto an alternative flight without too much trouble and another carrier comes in sharpish.

Helena
I so agree, I too am absolutely fuming. Customer service was diabolical - couldn't believe while holding the intro. still states XL fly to the Caribbean ! Then once actually talking to a person was told monies would not be returned for at least two weeks, asked how much interest I should expect - stony silence. Team leader then supposedly consulted overheard "difficult customer ". Was advised to write to CEO if I had a problem - of course I have a problem that's the point !

To balance out the negatives, I have to say that I have just had an extremely pleasant experience with XL. I rang the flights line and got through to a lovely chap who confirmed that the flights had been cancelled, gave me the explanation, apologised for the trouble it is causing, explained that they are sending out over 4000 letters in batches over the week (which was why I hadn't received a letter yet) and who said that he would take my call as a request for a refund and process it so that it would be credited back onto my card within 10-14 days. So I've gone ahead and booked onto BA instead (despite the additional cost).