Toronto in £440s-£450s rtn

Kudos to JFC-er Graham for this one :-)

Not only did they tip off our Flight Finders with a Virgin Atlantic route comeback, but they also spotted that the online travel agencies are advertising a checked bag is included in these fares when you buy through one of their websites!

Although these are not the cheapest non-stop fares we’ve been seeing from London to Toronto (WestJet periodically lowers its direct flights to the £340s/£350s rtn), the added luggage might make up for it. If it is included, that is.

Now, we’ve heard of OTAs pulling all sorts of tricks when it comes to what they advertise vs what you get. But since they are clearly advertising there’s a checked bag included in their booking conditions for these routes, they’re obliged to give you one. If they don’t, you’re well within your rights to kick up a fuss and demand a refund.

So if you want to try your luck, here’s what I’d do:

• Book these flights with an online travel agency that clearly states there is a checked bag included in your booking.
• In the OTA’s confirmation email to you, they should provide you with a reservation code for Virgin Atlantic.
• Then head to Virgin’s website and insert that code into the ‘Manage My Booking’ page, and confirm that you’ve got a checked bag included.

If you do, jackpot! But if you can’t see any luggage in your booking, you then reach out to the OTA’s customer service and ask for your money back.

FYI, some OTAs offer cancellation cover which allows you to refund regardless, so if you’re not up for a potential fight with customer service, it might be worth adding this as an extra before you buy (Travel Trolley seems to have one of the cheapest ones for £10).

Yes, it’s a bit of an ordeal, but if it works you’ll be saving £150 that could go straight towards a Maple Leafs game night.