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Leave the airport, honeymoon's off
A BISPHAM couple today told how their dream holiday turned into a honeymoon from hell.
Daniel Farrell and his new wife Joanne, 26, said they were made to feel "like criminals" after being escorted out of the departure lounge at Manchester Airport just minutes before boarding their flight to Egypt.
Their holiday to Sharm El Sheikh – a wedding gift from both sets of parents – had been cancelled and is now under investigation.
Daniel, a 26-year-old custody detention officer at Fleetwood police station, said: "The wedding was fantastic and went without any problems so we were really buzzing looking forward to the honeymoon.
"But it was a disaster."
It was when the pair arrived at Manchester Airport that the problems started.
Devastated
Although they were booked in for the flight, issued boarding cards and ushered through to the departure gate – picking up some duty free on the way – they were then called to the desk.
Daniel, of Ainsdale Avenue, said: "We thought we were being upgraded because we were honeymooners and we were so excited.
"You can't imagine how devastated we were when they said we had to leave the airport because our holiday had been cancelled.
"It was so humiliating.
"They took our duty free back and had to take our bags off the plane and we were escorted out like criminals. Joanne was heartbroken."
Fleetwood-based travel agents Travelcare booked them a new holiday the following morning – leaving four days later than planned – and promised the firm would investigate with First Choice.
But the new flight from Newcastle required an overnight stay and car parking charges.
Both had to book an extra two days off work and arrange for childcare for their daughter Lillie.
The replacement hotel did not have the extras they had booked, including flowers and scuba diving classes.
The Farrells have since received a letter apologising for the inconvenience and a refund of the 235.80 difference between the holidays.
But the newlyweds still have questions for the company.
Daniel said: "Why was our holiday cancelled and why on earth were we not told about it?
"Something like this couldn't have happened accidentally, what was going on and who is going to take responsibility for it?
"The whole episode was disgraceful and upsetting. It is bad enough your holiday going wrong but you can't get your honeymoon back."
A spokesman for Travelcare said: "We were very sorry to hear of the problems experienced by Mr and Mrs Farrell.
"As soon as we became aware of the situation we made arrangements to find a suitable alternative holiday for them, which we hope was a success.
"We also acted promptly to ensure they received a cheque refunding the difference in price between their holiday and the one they originally booked.
"We have begun a full investigation into how this error occurred, in conjunction with the holiday provider First Choice.
"Once our investigation is complete we will discuss a suitable level of compensation with Mr and Mrs Farrell."
heather.butler@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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