By Adrien Taylor
A Jetstar flight cancellation this morning left passengers with a tough decision; wait 10 days for a refund, or wait until this weekend to fly.
The choice was given to passengers due to fly on flight JQ265 from Auckland to Wellington. The cancellation has frustrated two Wellington brothers, who have now made alternative arrangements.
Dwayne and Christian Kyle were expecting a routine flight to Wellington, but after Jetstar cancelled their flight, they’re getting ready for a long bus ride home.
“Now we have to go for a nine hour bus right, rather than an hour flight – which is twice the fee because it’s so late notice,” says Dwayne.
The brothers arrived early for check in this morning, but instead of being handed a boarding pass they were handed a letter telling them their flight had been cancelled due to “operational requirements”.
Jetstar told the pair they could either have their flights refunded, in seven to 10 days, or take the next available flight – which isn’t until this Saturday.
But Dwayne has to be back by Thursday, so the pair will pay $74 each for an overnight bus.
The flight – which Jetstar will refund – was only $39 each.
The brothers say they’ll never fly Jetstar again.
“I’ve heard bad stuff about Jetstar, but this takes the cake,” says Dwayne.
In a statement to 3 News this afternoon Jetstar said all its flights from Auckland to Wellington were fully booked until February 4.
“That is why passengers were offered a refund or a seat on a later service.”
It said the plane was unserviceable and apologised for the disruption to 165 travellers.
But House of Travel says Jetstar’s response has been poor.
“I think a five-day delay is very unrealistic,” says spokesman Brent Thomas.
“People have got an expectation of getting to a destination on a day. They’ll understand a delay of a few hours but certainly not five days – that’s just unreasonable.”
But it’s not all bad news, Dwayne and Christian plan to get off the bus North of Wellington in Otaki to spend some time with family.
3 News