Ours Travel

[monkeyman 1,604]

I've never used this lot before, so I'd welcome a bit of advice on how they operate.

 

The story so far. I made a booking enquiry with them and was sent an e-mail with the details. I e-mailed them back to confirm the booking and received a further e-mail from them, which was identical to the first except it had seat numbers on it. No mention of paying for tickets or when they will be sent to me.

 

So what happens next? Will they contact me about payment or am I supposed to get in touch with them?

[Guest Fatboyfat]

So what happens next? Will they contact me about payment or am I supposed to get in touch with them?

Basically, Yes they will contact you by phone, provided you have left a number with them. It does vary between 2 weeks and 1 month before you fly. Payment in full will then be taken and tickets sent, unless you decide to cancel. No reservation charges are made in advance.

Best to use a Debit Card/ Switch or send a cheque for payment as they add a charge for credit cards.

Incidentally I have just arranged/paid for a couple of return tickets for employees with these, in Elite Class, and the "add on airport taxes" etc now for a Manchester/LHR/BKK return trip is a mind-boggling £148 each, making each return ticket during low season £823. That is a massive hoik from last years £677 all-in.

 

OURS are very good and efficient, however I think their success, and EVAs, is starting to show in their prices,and current price for economy deluxe no longer looks the value that it was.

[Gus 97]

I agree Fatboy, Zoo for me next trip, which has at least improved with the TVs (not ladyboys)

I think the EVA/Ours success story means my honeymoon may soon come to an end and I have to start using other airlines.

[monkeyman 1,604]

FBF

 

Thanks for clueing me in. I'm just wondering why they didn't tell me themselves. Must cause them some problems if they don't give this info out, surely?

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Fatboyfat,

 

One of the problems with flying with EVA from MAN is that Elite class attracts business class passenger duty as well as quite substantial fuel surcharges. On top of that you also have the passenger handling charges from both MAN and LHR to cough up. If you are flying from the sticks I would say that China Airlines Dynasty Class is a far superior and better value-for-money, directly comparable product than EVA Elite at the moment, IMHO....... plus Schipol is a revelation compared to the terminal transfer nonsense at LHR.

 

On the subject of China Airlines ex AMS, does anyone know if there is a comparable Dynasty class fare that upgrades you to the First Class Cabin on their 747s?

 

Tom

[CheshireTom 1,377]

Yes, I agree, China Air's Dynasty Class (Business Class) is excellent.

As to, "...comparable Dynasty class fare that upgrades you to the First Class Cabin..." sorry, I'm not sure I understand the question.

Samsonite,

 

China Airlines effectively operates their aircraft ex AMS in a 3 class configuration, ostensibly, economy, Dynasty and first. However, their fares for Dynasty (business) class are pitched in direct competition to EVA's Evergreen Deluxe product on the same route. I was trying to establish if you pay the business class fare are you in fact allocated the first class cabin/product. It would seem to make sense and is what happens on Thai's Scandanavian flights I believe (the normal economy, business and first products are sold as economy, economy deluxe and business class respectively). I hope that makes more sense.

 

If you manage to strike lucky and end up on one of CI's new signature 747s then the deal must be hard to beat.

 

Tom

[Samsonite 181]

...However, their fares for Dynasty (business) class are pitched in direct competition to EVA's Evergreen Deluxe product on the same route.  I was trying to establish if you pay the business class fare are you in fact allocated the first class cabin/product.... 

...If you manage to strike lucky and end up on one of CI's new signature 747s then the deal must be hard to beat.

Tom,

Thank you for that clarification.

Makes sense to me.

I haven't been lucky enough to fly on one of China Air's new 747-400s, but did, earlier this year, fly on one of their older -400s that had been refurbished with the new interior. Comfortable. New electronics. Very positive experience.

Thanks, again.

Edited January 7, 2006 by Samsonite

[Gus 97]

OURS Travel have a special offer on with EVA at the moment, just go to their site and click on special offers.

LHR-BKK economy with some restrictions £395+tax

valid for travel 8 Feb-30 Mar and 14 April-9 July

It has to be booked by 15th January.

Seems a good deal to me, I can't book until I know the result of my court appearance on the 16th

Edited January 9, 2006 by Gus