Fricking dammit. - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**space virgin** · 12-26-2007, 09:24 PM

So here I am, innocently trying to book my London --> Delhi return ticket on Virgin Atlantic. I get everything in order, 400 quid, okay, not bad... click "book now" and what pops up?

A handy little message stating "we only accept cards issued in the UK."

What the hell? It's like they don't WANT my money or something. I could book this on British Air at any point for about $30 more, but I specifically wanted to fly VA. And I can't call to bitch at them because their help desk doesn't open for another two hours.

Anyone have any idea why they have this stupid little rule? They're a pretty big airline, I don't understand what the problem is. *grumble*

**pinknic38** · 12-26-2007, 09:50 PM

That is very strange, I've never heard of that. I bought tix through Czech Airlines and they accepted my US credit card... that makes zero sense.

That sucks dude, I would get pissed when their customer service opens. That's just me. :D

**space virgin** · 12-26-2007, 10:06 PM

Oh yeah, I'm going to get all Cranky American Female with them in about an hour. lol It is weird-- I can book with EasyJet, RyanAir, any airline in India or any other foreign carrier for a flight NOT originating in the US, but apparently not these guys.

(Although I'm assuming they'll probably let me book it over the phone, which will seriously take the wind out of my sails. And they'll probably be all Britishly Nice about it to even further deflate them.)

**space virgin** · 12-27-2007, 12:27 AM

UPDATE: I just called them and of course, they are far too nice for me to be irritated with.

On the other hand, the ticket is booked and my seat is assigned: WINDOW both ways, heck yeah.

FYI, if your flight originates in the UK and you're booking online, you may ONLY use a credit card issued in the UK. If you aren't that lucky to have one of those, you will have to subject yourself to their infuriatingly polite and efficient customer service line. Total talk time with phone agent: 4 mins. 45 seconds. I'm usually on HOLD longer than that waiting for customer service here in the states.

Oh, and this will be the first time ever that I've flown into or out of any terminal other than Terminal 4 at Heathrow. It's the little things that please me.

**pinknic38** · 12-27-2007, 12:32 AM

hahahaha fabulous for you! you know, I wish there was a way to give the middle finger over the phone... I think a lot of customer service problems might be alleviated this way...

**DC_Jessica** · 12-27-2007, 08:55 PM

Haha, oh man, so you were all riled up ready to walk around with your nunchuks, all like "c'mon, dare me to fight you." And then you got "awwww, sorry about that, luv!" (Because in my mind the most endearing British accent is Eliza Dolittle, and of course the cust. service rep was drinking tea from a cup on a saucer while talking to you...)

That's just weird though. You can order meth on ebay from Madagascar with a debit card from a two branch local bank in Illinois...but no flight on Virgin?

**maracle** · 12-27-2007, 09:27 PM

You should write Richard Branson a letter, he'll probably send you some free swag and a reserved spot on his next reality TV show

**LiveFreeorDie** · 12-28-2007, 12:25 PM

Oh well, VA is worth the hassle. I love VA....especially the flight attendants...but that likely didn't influence your decision.....

**space virgin** · 12-28-2007, 02:12 PM

^

No, it didn't, but this would not be the first time I've heard about their collective appeal.

So now all that's left is to book flights from London to Istanbul and Athens back to London. EasyJet here I come.

**The Sasquatch** · 12-28-2007, 06:00 PM

yeah, i couldn't use my canadian credit card on Air New Zealand's US site either. Then i spent 1.5 hrs on the phone with them because they didn't believe the fare i was quoted. They couldn't find it and weren't willing to give it to me until i emailed them the page and everything. and still they said they might not be willing to honour it. what the f? in the end i had to put my canadian details into the state and zip spots(cuz they were just blanks) to prove that it wasn't a mistake and that i actually could book that fare online.

**BigE** · 12-28-2007, 08:42 PM

^ Did you get the deal?

**lauren313** · 12-31-2007, 03:32 AM

Why is it that us British people never get to experience British politeness?!

I only flew VA when I was about 9 years old, and even then I remember thinking "wow, the air hostesses are so pretty!"

**omisan** · 01-05-2008, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Why is it that us British people never get to experience British politeness?

Because you've been spoilt by it!

I wholeheartedly second (third, fourth, and fifth) the beauty of VA flight attendants. I tried to get my next trip through them but alas, it didn't work out.