so Emirates just gave me the finger...

[Mystic Twilight]

Unfortunately this is standard practice, all the airlines have the fine print for anything and everything to not refund you any money. Stories of refunds are exceptions, not the norm. Furthermore this, unless the hotel reservation and connecting flight was booked with/through Emirates as well, isn't their responsibility at all technically. As for travel insurance, only third party insurers offer insurance levels that include full ticket refunds, and even then it would most likely be in the higher end of the cost bracket.

 

[paul5186]

It sucks but it happens. We flew from cape town to JHB, then onto madagascar. Our friends were meant to join us from durban, but their flight was delayed 3 hours due to bad weather in JHB, so they missed their flight to JHB. However they did have good travel insurance and were re-imbursed. Our travel agent also re-arranged all our accomodation for us at no cost.

So travel insurance should sort out monies lost, however there is a lot of stress and potential extra leave needed from work due to delays.

 

[Cius]

Thanks for sharing this. Will definitely take this story into account if I travel again.

 

[ponder]

Thanks for sharing this. Will definitely take this story into account if I travel again.

And don't leave short time frames between connecting flight, it's looking for kuk.

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

And don't leave short time frames between connecting flight, it's looking for kuk.

You shouldn't have booked your other flight so soon to your expected arrival time in KL. Should always take these things into account. You've learnt your lesson.

Yup

OP is blaming Emirates for poor planing on his part.

 

[Keeper]

If the amazing race has taught me anything: leave adequate time for your second flight should there be delays.

Airport delays - expect them.

 

[zamedic]

FNB Travel Insurance (The free one) is rather excellent, however the travel delay insurance only kicks in if delayed by 6 hours or more.

For me, I was in Europe and my flight from Rome to Zurich was delayed because of a snow storm. My connection between flights before the delay was 1 Hour 15 Minutes, but because they were both with the same airline they actually held back the second flight to accommodate the passengers who delayed by connections.

The general policy is that if the connection is between the same airline, the airline takes responsibility if you miss the connection since they sold you the ticket with the connection time.

 

[Ethanhoward]

Well when you do choose to fly again know you will at least be upgraded to business.

It is an unfortunate situation and is actually quite common.

In the future make sure that you book your round trip on a single airline (I understand this sometimes isn't possible) but trying to save a few bucks will more often than not cost you allot more money.

I am surprised emirates never gave you a courtesy hotel with transfers when this happened.

 

[Grant]

Tell those damn arabs they have caused you international embarrassment as you posted the correspondence here & now everyone on the planet assumes you are married to a man. As such you are terrified to travel near any middle eastern country - make good !!

"30 March 2013

Mr Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxx

By e-mail: xxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com

Dear Mr Xxxxxxxxxx,

.......
.......
and that we can look forward to the pleasure of welcoming you and your husband on board our flights again.

Yours sincerely,

xxxxxxx xxxx "

 

[Yotch]

Miles can be redeemed for a range of travel and retail rewards. If you join straight away, you may also be able to claim the miles for your recent flights, if claimed within 60 days. This offer is valid for a period of 90 days from the date of this e-mail. You may enrol online at www.skywards.com. Please advise me of your membership numbers once you have enrolled.

If you add the mileage from your trip with the 10000 bonus you might be able to get a Business Class upgrade on your next flight as mentioned above. I recently had the opportunity to fly on Emirates Business Class to Japan and I was very impressed! Those reclining seats make a huge difference!

 

[Hosehead]

So much for Discovery cards. What DO they cover that makes it worthwhile?