Newlyweds denied seats together on plane

A HOLIDAY company has apologised to newlyweds after telling them they could not sit together when they flew off on their honeymoon.

Claire and Michael Kirk, of Langdale Crescent, Sneyd Green, paid Holiday Hypermarket, at Festival Park, almost £220 each on top of the cost of their two-week trip to the Dominican Republic so that they could enjoy premium class seats.

But when they arrived at Manchester Airport for their trip on September 29, they were told there wasn't room for them to sit next to each other.

Mr Kirk, a 24-year-old sales adviser, said: "I was so shocked because the last thing you expect when you go on your honeymoon is to be separated from your wife.

"After the madness of the wedding, we were just looking forward to a relaxing time, but that wasn't what we got."

Apart from it being their honeymoon, the couple were keen to sit together because Mrs Kirk is a nervous flyer and has suffered health problems in the past.

The 25-year-old nail technician, said: "I was in tears when we were told we couldn't sit together. I am not a very good flyer so I wanted Michael there to support me, but I was also worried about my health.

"I had a blood clot on my brain when I was 18 so I'm at risk of deep vein thrombosis.

"The extra leg room in premium class was really important to me, so that I could move around a bit more."

The pair were eventually given seats next to each other but only after downgrading to standard class. Mr Kirk said: "To be fair, the cabin crew did everything they could to make sure it was a good flight for us.

"But when we got to the Dominican Republic that didn't stop us worrying that the same would happen on the way back."

The couple stayed at the Gran Palladium in Punta Cana.

Mr and Mrs Kirk enjoyed sitting together in premium class on their way home, but said that problems with the entertainment system meant they had to watch the same programmes as they did on the way out.

After being contacted by The Sentinel, First Choice, which owns Holiday Hypermarket, agreed to refund the couple's upgrade on their outbound journey.

A spokesman said: "Customer satisfaction is of paramount importance to First Choice, and we would like to apologise to Mr and Mrs Kirk for any inconvenience caused. Unfortunately, in this instance it was not possible for Mr and Mrs Kirk to sit directly next to each other during their outbound flight as there were no two seats together left in the premium cabin.

"We cannot always guarantee that customers can sit directly next to each other, as stated in our terms and conditions.

"In light of the fact that Mr and Mrs Kirk sat in economy during their outbound flight and as a goodwill gesture, First Choice would like to offer a refund of £219 for any inconvenience caused.

"Our customer services team will be in touch shortly."