Purchasing flights to Thailand

robjf

robjf

robjf

Soldato
Joined
31 Oct 2003
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Location
Derby, UK
Morning guys!

Just a quick question. Im going to Thailand in May with some friends for 3 weeks and we're buying the tickets for the flights this week. Now I have a credit card but am not particularly clued up with the benefits of using it to purchase things such as flights.

It only has a limit of 750 but the flights are 1200, is it worth putting myy CC into credit to buy the flights on it? Or should i just pay on my debit card? Im just a bit wary about the chance of anything going awry with the airline which we have seen so much of recently. How can i cover our backs to protect this money as much as possible?

Regards

Rob
 
I'd check the terms of your credit card as purchases made whilst the card is in credit are not allways covered by the section75 law.

You're best off to put £100 or more on your credit card then the rest on your debit.
 
Brilliant thanks for the information! Just checked the site which we will be getting the tickets through, they are owned by a major tour operator which gives me confidence. Also ive read the terms and conditions of the site and they are ATOL, ABTA and IATA members. Its through NetFlights if that makes much of a difference?!

Thanks.
 
Sorry, afaik much of above is incorrect, ATOL is for tour operators not airlines

This is from the CAA

If you book direct with an airline, including budget airlines, you WON'T be ATOL protected. You may be covered if you pay by credit card and spend over £100 - check with your credit card company.

Some airlines have websites that also provide links to other websites that offer hotel and car hire. Remember, because you're not booking with a single travel company, you WON'T be ATOL protected.

IMO it is essential you use a credit card

a couple of years ago I had 2 flights booked with Maxjet when they went bust, I used mt CC and got refunded quickly
 
If you have a Visa Debit card you can use Visa Debit Chargback, credit cards offer better protection but Visa Debit is still good.

Echo what a poster abover said, don't put your credit card in credit.

Just avoid Maestro.
 
Rotty said:
Sorry, afaik much of above is incorrect, ATOL is for tour operators not airlines

This is from the CAA

If you book direct with an airline, including budget airlines, you WON'T be ATOL protected. You may be covered if you pay by credit card and spend over £100 - check with your credit card company.

Some airlines have websites that also provide links to other websites that offer hotel and car hire. Remember, because you're not booking with a single travel company, you WON'T be ATOL protected.

IMO it is essential you use a credit card

a couple of years ago I had 2 flights booked with Maxjet when they went bust, I used mt CC and got refunded quickly
Click to expand...

So would you suggest upping my credit limit for this purchase, even if i pay back the whole amount the same month?
 
robjf said:
So would you suggest upping my credit limit for this purchase, even if i pay back the whole amount the same month?
Click to expand...

Ask the credit card company for a limit increase, but don't pay cash into it to put the card into credit (as you become liable for this money on most cards)
 
You'd only be covered if you booked a package (flights and hotel). If it's flight only, no chance.

Only way to be covered is if you were to use a Credit Card i.e insurance.
 
Last edited:
definitely ask the CC company to up the limit, dont order the 1200quid flight on a 750quid limit or you will get slammed for lots of interested/charges.

I NEVER order anything online or significant price with my debit card, ALWAYS credit card, simily because of the added protection. Also it defers the payment for a month.. naughty but niceeeee
 
danb21t said:
definitely ask the CC company to up the limit, dont order the 1200quid flight on a 750quid limit or you will get slammed for lots of interested/charges.

I NEVER order anything online or significant price with my debit card, ALWAYS credit card, simily because of the added protection. Also it defers the payment for a month.. naughty but niceeeee
Click to expand...

I doubt they would even let a £1200 transaction through if you only have a £750 credit limit!
 
I realise id have to up my limit but it appears the CC company arent having any of it!

Would it be kosher to use one of my parents credit cards to ensure im covered by section 75 or will it only cover the principal card holder? I can put it on my debit card without a problem just want to be as careful as possible!
 
Off topic, but thanks for the heads up guys, I was thinking of topping up my new credit card to cover a purchase that I've saved up for rather than requesting a limit increase so early on in the contract.
I will request a raise instead.
OcUK to the rescue! :)
 
Rotty said:
Sorry, afaik much of above is incorrect, ATOL is for tour operators not airlines

This is from the CAA

If you book direct with an airline, including budget airlines, you WON'T be ATOL protected. You may be covered if you pay by credit card and spend over £100 - check with your credit card company.

Some airlines have websites that also provide links to other websites that offer hotel and car hire. Remember, because you're not booking with a single travel company, you WON'T be ATOL protected.

IMO it is essential you use a credit card

a couple of years ago I had 2 flights booked with Maxjet when they went bust, I used mt CC and got refunded quickly
Click to expand...

Bugger, my mistake. I will reconsider bookings in future though I always tend to go with one of the 'big name' airlines.
 
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