Latest news with #easyJet
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Daily Record
EasyJet passenger slams £21 compo offer and demands proof of bird strike
Melvyn Chazen's flight home from Turkey was delayed when birds are said to have struck the plane's engine. A traveller abandoned in Turkey after his easyJet flight was postponed for "almost 20 hours" has turned down the measly £21 compensation offered by the carrier. Melvyn Chazen, from Wavertree, has demanded the budget airline provide "proof" that a bird strike caused the postponement of flight EZY3408 from Bodrum back to the UK. The 83 year old was scheduled to depart Bodrum at 10.40pm on July 2 when birds allegedly collided with the aircraft, resulting in a five-hour postponement. That initial setback escalated into an overnight stay, with easyJet arranging lodging until the next day. EasyJet has previously expressed regret for the flight postponement and stated it rearranged the service to operate the following day due to a bird strike requiring an engineering assessment. Liverpool Echo reports that, in accordance with easyJet policies, a bird strike is deemed beyond the airline's control, meaning passengers are not offered reimbursement for their flight costs. Nevertheless, Melvyn insisted he requires evidence this occurred, otherwise he believes he deserves a full refund. He also alleged the poor communication from the carrier left him "upset" and claimed he was denied food and refreshments with "nowhere to sit down" for hours. EasyJet stated Melvyn is now getting direct assistance from the travel agent through whom he arranged his holiday and the airline "sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay". Melvyn explained: "I went to Turkey for a week on holiday, which was fine. The day we were coming home we were picked up from the hotel by the transfer coach and told that the flight had been delayed for five hours. Instead of departing a 10.40pm it was leaving at 3.30am." However, after travellers reached the airport and "waited an hour" to clear security and customs, passengers discovered the flight had been postponed until the next evening. Melvyn revealed: "They put us up in a hotel but we had to go all the way back through customs and back into Turkey. "It took six hours to get back to a hotel in Turkey, all the while there was no refreshments available, no water, no food offered. We were waiting in long queues with nowhere to sit down and not one member of easyJet staff was there to communicate or check on the customers." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The carrier claimed it maintained contact with passengers through text messages, email and Flight Tracker updates, whilst stating the airport assisted travellers with hotel bookings and meal provisions. Nevertheless, Melvyn revealed he couldn't access his emails or get online, and expected an easyJet representative to be present for direct customer communication. On July 3, Melvyn was transported back to the airport by transfer bus, where he finally caught an easyJet service to Liverpool. It was then he discovered the bird strike that had caused the original flight's postponement, with no compensation offered to passengers despite the "20 hour delay". After returning to Britain, Melvyn revealed that easyJet had offered him £21 in compensation to cover his out-of-pocket expenses for food and beverages during the hold-up. He explained that he was required to submit receipts for his expenditure and is now demanding easyJet furnish evidence of the alleged bird strike. Mr Chazen declared: "I have refused to accept the compensation. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for proof that birds flew into the engine. "They asked me for proof of my £21 so I want them to equally prove their case. I paid £446.01 for the holiday. I feel like I'm entitled to ask for proof, to prove that is the reason why they won't pay out." A spokesperson for easyJet holidays responded: "Mr Chazen is now receiving direct support from the travel agent with whom he originally booked his holiday, to assist with guidance and resolution of his expense claim. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay and appreciate his patience as the matter is brought to a close."
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Furious tourist 'offered £21 by easyJet' after being stranded in Turkey
Melvyn Chazen, from Wavertree, is demanding 'proof' after easyJet told customers a bird strike was the reason behind their flight from Bodrum being delayed until the next day A man left stranded in Turkey after his easyJet flight was delayed for "almost 20 hours" has rejected the £21 the airline offered him in compensation. Melvyn Chazen, from Wavertree, has called on the budget airline to provide "proof" that a bird strike forced the delay of flight EZY3408 from Bodrum back to the UK. Melvyn, 83, was meant to fly home from Bodrum at 10.40pm on July 2 when birds are said to have struck the plane, leading to a five-hour delay. That initial delay became an overnight stay, with easyJet providing accommodation until the following day. It comes after a mum who left work 'abruptly' was then found dead in a hotel room. EasyJet previously apologised for the flight being delayed and said it rescheduled the flight to operate the next day due to a bird strike which required an engineering inspection. Liverpool Echo reports that, as in line with easyJet regulations, a bird strike is considered outside of the airlines' control, meaning a passenger refund of the cost of the flight is not offered. However, Melvyn said he wants proof this is what happened otherwise he believes he should be entitled to a refund. He also claimed the time the lack of communication from the airline made him "upset" and said he was left without food and drink and "nowhere to sit down" for hours. EasyJet said Melvyn is now receiving direct support from the travel agent who he booked his holiday with and the airline "sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay". Melvyn said: "I went to Turkey for a week on holiday, which was fine. The day we were coming home we were picked up from the hotel by the transfer coach and told that the flight had been delayed for five hours. Instead of departing a 10.40pm it was leaving at 3.30am." It was once customers arrived at the airport and "waited an hour" to get through security and customs that passengers were told the flight had been delayed until the following evening. Melvyn said: "They put us up in a hotel but we had to go all the way back through customs and back into Turkey. "It took six hours to get back to a hotel in Turkey, all the while there was no refreshments available, no water, no food offered. We were waiting in long queues with nowhere to sit down and not one member of easyJet staff was there to communicate or check on the customers." The airline said it kept customers informed by text, email and on Flight Tracker. It also said the airport helped customers with arrangements for hotel accommodation and meals. However, Melvyn said he didn't have any access to emails and was unable to get online and hoped an easyJet member of staff would have been there to communicate with customers. On July 3, Melvyn was taken back to the airport via transfer bus, where he eventually boarded an easyJet flight to Liverpool. He said this is when he learned about the bird strike that delayed the previous flight. He said no refund was offered to customers despite the "20 hour delay". Upon arriving back in the UK, Melvyn said easyJet offered him £21 in compensation, which covered the costs of the expenses he paid out on food and drink during the delay. He said he was asked to provide proof of the expenses and now wants easyJet to provide evidence of the bird strike. Mr Chazen said: "I have refused to accept the compensation. I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for proof that birds flew into the engine. "They asked me for proof of my £21 so I want them to equally prove their case. I paid £446.01 for the holiday. I feel like I'm entitled to ask for proof, to prove that is the reason why they won't pay out." An easyJet holidays spokesperson said: 'Mr Chazen is now receiving direct support from the travel agent with whom he originally booked his holiday, to assist with guidance and resolution of his expense claim. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay and appreciate his patience as the matter is brought to a close.'
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
ANNE ASHWORTH checks out the shares of soar-away airline companies
This weekend will be one of the busiest periods of the summer at airports as hundreds of thousands of people depart for their annual break. Queuing for a coffee or to board the plane, some travellers will be focused solely on their plans for fun in the sun. But holidaymakers whose other passion is investing will also be looking for indications of the health of the stock market-quoted British and Irish airlines. They are: IAG (owner of British Airways and Iberia); easyJet; Jet2; Ryanair; and Wizz Air. Do the crowds mean that shares in these companies are poised to be up, up and away? The Jet2 jingle 'Nothing Beats a Jet2 Holiday' has turned into a massive social media hit – in a response said to reflect the nation's longing for a getaway amid economic gloom. And there is evidence the British are prioritising holidays, too. Earlier this month Luis Gallego, chief executive of IAG, whose empire also includes Aer Lingus and Vueling, said: 'We continue to benefit from the trend of a structural shift in consumer spending towards travel.' In the depths of the pandemic in October 2020, IAG shares were 91p. Yesterday, they were 373.7p. Gallego's confidence was underlined by IAG's first-half profits which leapt by 44 per cent to €1.9billion (£1.65billion). Total revenues rose by 8 per cent to €15.9billion (£13.8billion). There has been a pick-up in premium transatlantic trips, which is boosting British Airways' Rask (revenue per available seat kilometre), a key metric. Gallego envisages 'good earnings growth, margin progression and strong returns to shareholders this year'. But he also highlighted 'the ongoing uncertainty that may result from the geopolitical and macroeconomic backdrop'. This confident tone may come as a surprise, given the array of external challenges that beset airlines. Richard Hunter, of Interactive Investor, cites a few: 'Virus outbreaks; industrial action; volcanic dust clouds; higher fuel costs; and technical outages.' But people's attachment to vacations may serve as a signal to rethink your attitude to the sector. If you want to jump on board, these are the airlines that the experts think are worth backing. IAG Since the start of the year, IAG shares have soared by 23 per cent, although they remain 32 per cent below their level a decade ago. Interactive Investor's Hunter is cheered by the reintroduction of a dividend and the reduction in debts. During the pandemic, the group borrowed heavily to ensure its survival. However, despite IAG largely leaving this era behind, some effects linger. Virtual meetings, the norm during lockdowns, have continued, meaning a decline in business travel. Analysts expect IAG's recovery to gather pace. Eight of the 16 analysts who follow the stock rate IAG a 'buy' while another seven consider the shares worth holding. The average target price is 488p. EASYJET Shares are down by 4 per cent this year to 507.6p, which seems largely due to the third-quarter results unveiled last month. Revenues grew by 9.7 per cent to £2.9billion and profits rose by 21 per cent to £286m. EasyJet's holiday division is expanding, too, which should be good news for its Rask. Yet investors were more preoccupied with other factors, such as the bill for an air traffic controller strike in France, a leap in fuel costs and a move to later booking. As a result, 11 of 19 analysts rate the shares a 'hold; for the rest the shares are a 'buy'. If you are prepared for some ups and downs, Derren Nathan of Hargreaves Lansdown argues that easyJet's potential for growth is not reflected in its current valuation. JET2 The direction of the share price of this Leeds-based airline has not followed the rave reception for its advertisement which features Jess Glynne's hit Hold My Hand. Hollywood star Jeff Goldblum even made his own version of the advert, calling it Jeff2 Holiday. Since January, the shares have edged up by just 4 per cent to 1632p, although profits for the year to March rose by 11 per cent to £578m. Chief executive Steve Heapy said last month that demand is up among all demographics and it is endeavouring to cater for a younger clientele with more affordable offers. Analysts seem to agree that this strategy will win over customers who are organising an overseas jaunt at the last moment. The majority rate the shares in the £3.4billion AIM-listed company a 'buy', with an average target price of 2164p. Maybe Goldblum will add some to his portfolio? RYANAIR This week Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, announced that its passenger numbers reached a record 20.7m in July, although the Dublin-based carrier was forced to cancel more than 600 flights due to the air traffic control strikes in France. This followed the news last month that its profits for the first quarter more than doubled to €820m (£711m), while revenues leapt by 20 per cent to €4.3billion (£3.7billion). The optimistic tone of these announcements is at odds with the usual litany of complaints over the late delivery of planes from Boeing and much else from the rambunctious Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary. But he has reasons to be cheerful, having qualified for a €100m (£86.7m) bonus thanks to the much-improved share price. It has soared by 74 per cent over the past year to €26 (£22.54). Analysts believe that O'Leary will deliver for investors as well as himself. They rate the shares a 'buy', with one analyst targeting a price of €30 (£26). WIZZ AIR The Eastern Europe-focused budget carrier is based in Budapest but listed in London. At 1418p, its shares are 5 per cent lower than at the start of this year, having plunged in June when the company revealed a 40 per cent drop in profits. This was mostly caused by the grounding of about a fifth of its Airbus planes due to persistent problems with the Pratt & Whitney engines. Last month, chief executive Jozsef Varadi said that the company would be scaling back its growth plans. He is abandoning expansion in the Middle East because the region's dry air exacerbates the engine issues. Unsurprisingly, most analysts consider Wizz to be a hold, although Deutsche begs to differ, having upgraded the shares to a 'buy' in the past fortnight. The international set Tariff fears are weighing on US carriers. These companies are also dealing with an oversupply of flights, as customers become more price-sensitive. American Airlines shares are 33 per cent lower than at the start of the year, for example. But Delta and United are faring better thanks to the clamour for premium travel. United is investing in its Polaris premium service, planning to open more lounges for top-tier travellers. Analysts rate United shares, which currently stand at $89.87 (£66.85), a 'buy'. America's ultra-wealthy are increasingly underlining their status by using more private jets. But some also favour a carrier that provides something similar to the private jet experience in its first class cabin. Shares in Air France-KLM, which is listed in Amsterdam and Paris, have soared by 64 per cent this year thanks to the clever and lavish redesign of its La Premiere first class cabin with its private jet feel. A one-way ticket from New York to Paris costs between $10,000-$20,000 (£7,440 to £14,880). This is the luxe way to embark on that Emily In Paris escapade. Other airlines will doubtless be competing more for the holiday and business travel budgets of those people with very deep pockets. Premium seems like the way to go.
The Sun
2 days ago
- The Sun
EasyJet launches flight sale with £15 tickets – here are the holiday destinations you can head to
IT'S good news for globetrotters as easyJet has launched a sale with £15 flights to top city break destinations. The airline is offering up to 20 per cent off flights to key city break destinations when booked before the end of September. 8 And you can get money off city break packages as well. Here are some of the top spots and prices. Malaga, Spain Malaga is known for having 16 sandy beaches and featuring clear Mediterranean waters. The Andalusian city was also the birthplace of famous artist Pablo Picasso. The region is also known for its tapas dishes, with many thriving neighbourhoods as well. You could fly from London Southend on October 15 for £14.99. Or perhaps head from Leeds Bradford, on October 5 for £17.99. And Newcastle has an early flight to Malaga, on September 15 for £14.99. Majorca, Spain Much-loved Majorca is known for its sprawling beaches, with inviting waters. It is the largest of the Balearic Islands and has plenty of resorts to choose from. This European castle was the inspiration for Disney Visitors can also explore sheltered coves and limestone mountains and the island's nightlife is vibrant as well. You could head to Palma from Birmingham on August 31 for just £14.99. Or for an additional pound, you could head from Manchester on September 1. For the same price you could also go from Leeds Bradford on September 8. Or back at £14.99, you could head from Newcastle on August 27. Alicante, Spain Located in southeastern Costa Blanca, Alicante is another beautiful Spanish hotspot. The small city is very walkable, with the beach, central market, Santa Cruz and the Explanada all within 10 to 20 minutes of each other. 8 You could head to the Spanish spot from London Southend on October 29 for £14.99. Or from Newcastle on September 20, for £15.99. Faro, Portugal As the capital of Portugal 's Algarve region, Faro is full of amazing destinations to explore including the old town and cathedral that dates back to the 13th century. You could head to Faro from London Southend on October 5, for £14.99. Or alternatively from London Luton, slightly earlier on September 21 for £15.99. Paris, France The French capital is known for its great food and of course, dazzling Eiffel Tower. The city has many different neighbourhoods to explore and is also home to the famous painting - the Mona Lisa - which is located in the Louvre. Head to Paris from Birmingham on September 28, for £14.49. 8 Or from London Southend on October 2 for £14.99. If you are in Liverpool, you could head to the City of Love on September 28 for £14.99. Or travel from Manchester on September 1, for £14.49. Berlin, Germany The capital of Germany is bursting with history, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building and Checkpoint Charlie. In addition to this, the city is well-known for hosting many amazing markets such as flea markets, food markets and at Christmas, festive markets. If you fancy heading to Berlin, you could head from Birmingham Airport on September 22 for £18.99. Or from Liverpool Airport on September 15, for £14.49. 8 Marrakech, Morocco Located in the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech has a bustling medina and numerous souks (markets). In Jemaa el-Fnaa square, travellers can see a hub of activity with street performers, live music and food stalls. Tipping into Africa, you could travel to Marrakech on November 30 from Birmingham Airport for £18.99. Barcelona, Spain If you like architecture, Barcelona is a top spot to go to, with numerous buildings by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. And the city sits on the coast, so benefits from sprawling beaches as well. If you want to see the Sagrada Familia nearing its completion, you could fly to Barcelona from London Southend on November 16 for £15.99. 8 Corfu, Greece Corfu offers a serene retreat with idyllic beaches. There are many coves and dramatic cliffs to explore as well, and many tourists enjoy snorkeling and boat tours. If Greece is more to your liking, grab a flight from London Gatwick on September 23 for £26.99. Mykonos, Greece Also in Greece, you could head to Mykonos. The beautiful island sits in the Aegean Sea and popular during the summer months for its vibrant music. 8 There are many dance clubs on the island that attract DJs from across the globe as well. You could fly from London Gatwick on September 24, for £26.99. Amsterdam, The Netherlands Known for being home to thousands of bikes and winding canals, the capital of the Netherlands is a great, walkable city. There is so much to explore including a museum district, the Red Light district and even Anne Frank's house. If you fancy seeing the canals in the city, you can hop on a flight from Liverpool on September 11 for £16.99. Prague, Czech Republic As the capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague also boasts a wealth of destinations to explore. Nicknamed 'the City of a Hundred Spires', it is known for its old town square and historic core. 8 Many travellers enjoy spending time looking at the Gothic churches and baroque buildings. You can travel from Liverpool on September 7 for £16.99. Split, Croatia Last but not least - heading to Croatia, Split is known for its beautiful sites including Diocletian's Palace and the Riva promenade - which is lined with towering palm trees. Many people who visit this city also enjoy hopping to local islands and experiencing the local cuisine. There is a flight from Liverpool on September 22 for £18.99. Alternatively, you could fly from Manchester three days later for £16.99. EasyJet also recently announced 11 new routes from a UK airport including Greek islands and African beach resorts. Plus, they have launched a new flight route to an 'underrated' Italian seaside city with stunning golden beaches and historic sites. 8
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ibiza Final Boss takes private jet to party island with mates who 'all have same haircut'
From EasyJet to private jet in less than a week, Jack Kay, Newcastle's newest cult hero, is living the dream after being dubbed "Ibiza Final Boss" thanks to his unique haircut and dance skills When Jack Kay first touched down in Ibiza last week, he was just another Brit in a black vest looking for a good time. Now, he's a meme, and possibly the most famous man on the island. Dubbed the 'Ibiza Final Boss' by fans across TikTok and Twitter, 26-year-old Kay has become an overnight sensation thanks to a now-iconic video of him dancing in a club with the swagger of someone who owns the place. And now, it appears he's swapped budget airlines for boujee private jets. In his latest stunt, Jack posted a photo to Instagram posing with a group of mates in front of a private jet, captioned simply: 'Yes the boys.' Fans were quick to notice how all the lads donned the same bowl haircut that has made him viral. READ MORE: Ibiza Final Boss Jack Kay reunites with barber behind unique haircut after going viral The original clip, originally posted by venue Zero Six West, has racked up over 18 million views. The caption? 'Does anyone know this absolute legend coz we've got two free guestlist [spots] with his name on it!' It didn't take long for the internet to deliver. Fans identified Jack almost immediately, and what followed was a full-blown content explosion. TikToks, memes, fan edits, and brand reactions rolled in. Currys and Greggs jumped on the hype train, and even slid into his DMs. One fan wrote: 'The power of short-form content strikes again… This man went on holiday as Jack and left as Ibiza's final boss.' Another joked: 'Ibiza at 11, bullying King John to sign the Magna Carta at 12.' He currently has over 60,000 followers on Instagram thanks to the viral clip, and now it looks like he's ditched easyJet for private jets. 'He's gone from easyJet to private jets in less than a week,' one fan commented. Another added: 'Boss is single-handedly bringing the bowl cut back.' If that wasn't enough, Kay announced to the Ibiza Times: 'I am the Ibiza final boss. Jack Kay. Get to know.' His TikTok videos are still racking up views in the millions, and even Neon Management - the talent agency behind reality TV stars from Love Island and Gogglebox - have signed him, with a tour already in the works. In a recent Instagram Story, Jack admitted he's still processing it all: 'Appreciate all the love and messages off everyone. I will get back to everyone quick as I can. It's just a lot for me to take in at the moment. I am just a normal person from Newcastle, it's crazy. Stay locked in, got some big news coming.'
