Children left in tears as flight for Lapland trip hit by weather
FAMILIES LEFT IN LURCH AS COLD SNAP HITS AIRPORT
Reporter CHILDREN and their families endured a nightmare before Christmas when their dream Lapland flight to see Santa Claus was cancelled at the last minute – because of the cold weather.
And the travel company behind the trip, TUI Airways – formerly Thomson – has caused further anger by offering what some think is a Scrooge-like £50 holiday voucher in compensation.
Paul Compton, 67, and wife Christine, 66, were part of an eight-strong group including their two six-year-old grandchildren which paid £4,000 for the special trip from Newcastle International Airport yesterday morning.
It was due to take off at 7.15am but was eventually cancelled at 9.45am because of technical difficulties due to the cold weather, leaving the passengers distraught. Paul of Forest Hall, North Tyneside, said: “It was awful. There were children and even adults crying. “We bought our tickets last January and have been looking forward to it all year. My grandchildren weren’t told until the morning of the flight when they were woken up at 4am and told they’re off to Lapland see Santa. The trip included a reindeer sleigh ride, a ride on a husky sled, snowmobiling and, of course, a chance to meet Santa. They were so excited. “And then we get to the airport and it’s called off. You can imagine how any child would have taken that news.” He said, after they went through check-in and got to the departure lounge, there had been rumours something wasn’t right. “There was talk of problems de-icing the