0:00:02 > 0:00:05Every year millions of us jet off into the sun
0:00:05 > 0:00:07to enjoy some well-earned relaxation.
0:00:07 > 0:00:13But sadly, some holidays can be a one-way ticket to a whole load of stress.
0:00:13 > 0:00:17'No-one wants their holiday ruined by substandard accommodation,
0:00:17 > 0:00:20'poor customer service or hidden small print.'
0:00:20 > 0:00:23We were absolutely devastated.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26And just so upset.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30'And nor do we want to fall victim to any of the scams or cons
0:00:30 > 0:00:33'that catch out unsuspecting tourists.'
0:00:33 > 0:00:35They're all fake. There's no real ones here.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37'But if you know what to look out for,
0:00:37 > 0:00:40'you can avoid these holiday nightmares.'
0:00:40 > 0:00:44- So we're here to make sure you... - Don't get done in the sun.
0:00:53 > 0:00:55'Coming up on today's show,
0:00:55 > 0:00:59'grounded at the airport, the holidaymakers whose dreams
0:00:59 > 0:01:01'turned to dust before they'd even got on the plane.'
0:01:01 > 0:01:05I was there in time for that flight and I still didn't get on the aeroplane.
0:01:05 > 0:01:09'The free tours that could end up costing you a fortune.'
0:01:09 > 0:01:11It might end having a nightmare,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14buying something or getting something which you didn't wish to have.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19'And I'll be posing as a souvenir scammer to show you how not to get conned.'
0:01:19 > 0:01:21One Euro for a postcard!
0:01:26 > 0:01:29Planning a holiday can be great fun, can't it?
0:01:29 > 0:01:31Deciding where you want to go...
0:01:31 > 0:01:35Yes, family room. ..getting it all booked,
0:01:35 > 0:01:38working out what to take.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43But what if, after all that excitement, you miss your flight?
0:01:43 > 0:01:45Is there any way we can still make it, do you think?
0:01:45 > 0:01:48No way, love, you've had it.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52'For Michelle White, from Pontefract in West Yorkshire,
0:01:52 > 0:01:55'holidays are all about letting your hair down.'
0:01:55 > 0:01:58Usually we have a girl's holiday. We go for a week.
0:01:58 > 0:02:01If there's a celebration, a big celebration coming up,
0:02:01 > 0:02:03or anything like that, we all get together.
0:02:03 > 0:02:06It's usually the same girls that go.
0:02:06 > 0:02:09And we just like a week off and to have a good time.
0:02:09 > 0:02:14'In October 2011, she organised a trip to Spain's Costa Blanca
0:02:14 > 0:02:17'for a very special celebration.'
0:02:17 > 0:02:20This trip to Benidorm was for my mum's 60th birthday.
0:02:20 > 0:02:23I booked a package holiday at a local travel agents,
0:02:23 > 0:02:26flights, hotel included, half-board.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30When we booked our holiday, it was around £500 per person.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32'Fast forward to June 2012,
0:02:32 > 0:02:36'and the first day of this much-anticipated girls' holiday.
0:02:36 > 0:02:39'The flight, with low-cost airline Jet2,
0:02:39 > 0:02:42'was due to leave Manchester for Alicante at 7:45am.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46'Experienced traveller Michelle knew how important it was
0:02:46 > 0:02:48'to check in with plenty of time to spare,
0:02:48 > 0:02:51'so she booked an early minibus to take the group to the airport.'
0:02:51 > 0:02:57We were all up, ready, breakfast, suitcase packed, silly T-shirts on,
0:02:57 > 0:02:59waiting for the minibus to come on that morning,
0:02:59 > 0:03:03really excited and looking forward to our week off.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08When we got to the airport, we had about an hour and a half leeway
0:03:08 > 0:03:10before the flight time was due.
0:03:10 > 0:03:15We just joined the queue and it was just one queue for every flight, no designated numbered desks,
0:03:15 > 0:03:18so we just joined the queue and waited.
0:03:18 > 0:03:22'The Jet2 flight closed 40 minutes before takeoff,
0:03:22 > 0:03:25'and having flown abroad from Manchester many times before,
0:03:25 > 0:03:28'Michelle thought an hour and a half was more than adequate
0:03:28 > 0:03:32'to check-in, clear security and even do a spot of shopping.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36'But the airport was busy and the check-in queue very long,
0:03:36 > 0:03:40'and eventually the women began to worry they might not make their flight.'
0:03:40 > 0:03:45We'd been in the queue for a little while, about 35 minutes, and it hadn't gone very far at all.
0:03:45 > 0:03:50And Maggie, one of the girls, had said, "We need to see someone," cos the time was ticking away.
0:03:50 > 0:03:54And we approached a member of staff and she said,
0:03:54 > 0:03:57"Oh, don't worry, because when it gets nearer to your flight time
0:03:57 > 0:04:01"they'll make an announcement and they will give you a designated desk number.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03"Just stay here. You'll be perfectly fine."
0:04:03 > 0:04:06'But by the time they were called to a designated desk,
0:04:06 > 0:04:10'there were just 45 minutes left before the flight was due to depart
0:04:10 > 0:04:13'and just five minutes before check-in closed.'
0:04:13 > 0:04:16There was a big family in front of us at our desk
0:04:16 > 0:04:20and they were having trouble with their flight vouchers.
0:04:20 > 0:04:25There were three members of staff from three desks next to them trying to sort this out,
0:04:25 > 0:04:29so we were just stood in the queue with another couple that were going on our aeroplane.
0:04:29 > 0:04:32And waited and waited.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35And eventually, erm,
0:04:35 > 0:04:40one of the girls said, "We're going to not get on this flight, we need to approach someone."
0:04:40 > 0:04:43So she went to another desk,
0:04:43 > 0:04:45it was a young member of staff and she said,
0:04:45 > 0:04:48"You can't get on, they've closed it."
0:04:48 > 0:04:51And just sent us straight to the customer services desk.
0:04:51 > 0:04:55'Although they believed they'd arrived at the airport in plenty of time,
0:04:55 > 0:04:59'it seemed Michelle and her friends were grounded.'
0:04:59 > 0:05:03So you find yourself at the back of the queue, time is ticking away,
0:05:03 > 0:05:07you think, "I'm going to miss my flight," what should you do?
0:05:07 > 0:05:10Here's a trick. Get yourself to the front of the queue.
0:05:10 > 0:05:16Explain to people, "Look, I am on this flight that leaves in 50 minutes time, you've got to let me through."
0:05:16 > 0:05:21If they say, "We're all on that one," well, I'm afraid you're all sunk.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25But otherwise, I find that most people are very reasonable
0:05:25 > 0:05:29and they will let you through even though it adds a few more minutes to their queuing time.
0:05:29 > 0:05:32'Being too polite to ask other passengers if they could jump the queue
0:05:32 > 0:05:36'meant Michelle and her friends had missed their flight.'
0:05:36 > 0:05:40We were just a bit flabbergasted. What do you mean we can't get on, that's it?
0:05:40 > 0:05:43We've been stood in this queue. We've done everything you've told us to do.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45And now you're saying we can't get on the flight.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49The air was a little bit blue, to be honest. Nobody was happy.
0:05:49 > 0:05:53And we just couldn't believe that we weren't going to get on this aeroplane.
0:05:53 > 0:05:55'And at the Jet2 customer services desk,
0:05:55 > 0:05:58'there was more bad news for the six women.'
0:05:58 > 0:06:01We had to re-book and pay for our flights out.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04We were having to pay another £1,500 between us
0:06:04 > 0:06:06to be able to fly out on that day.
0:06:06 > 0:06:10'It was a huge blow at the very start of the holiday.
0:06:10 > 0:06:12'So what, if anything, can be done about it?
0:06:12 > 0:06:16'The Civil Aviation Authority looks after passengers' rights.'
0:06:16 > 0:06:21If you're in the queue and you have allowed the recommended time,
0:06:21 > 0:06:23can you be refused check-in?
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Passengers that have arrived for check-in on time,
0:06:26 > 0:06:29they have all their travel documentation and everything is in order,
0:06:29 > 0:06:34if the airline fails to process them through check-in in time so that they miss their flight,
0:06:34 > 0:06:37then as far as we're concerned, that could be a case of denied boarding,
0:06:37 > 0:06:40and the passengers may be entitled to financial compensation.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45'But Jet2 staff maintained it was Michelle and her friends' own fault
0:06:45 > 0:06:47'because they hadn't checked in on time,
0:06:47 > 0:06:51'despite the fact that they'd been kept waiting in a queue for more than 45 minutes.'
0:06:51 > 0:06:55You're denied boarding because you're late checking in.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59How much sympathy can you expect from your airline?
0:06:59 > 0:07:04It's not an excuse to say, "I arrived at the airport one and a half hours before
0:07:04 > 0:07:06"and therefore I was here in plenty of time."
0:07:06 > 0:07:12You have to be checked in or your bag dropped by the minimum specified time
0:07:12 > 0:07:19at the actual desk, not arriving in the area, but at the desk itself.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24And if you fail to do that then most airlines these days will turn round and say,
0:07:24 > 0:07:27"Sorry, check-in closed. You now can't travel."
0:07:27 > 0:07:31But how are you meant to be able to estimate
0:07:31 > 0:07:37how long those people belonging to the airline are going to take check you in?
0:07:37 > 0:07:41Of course, passengers don't know each time they go to an airport how long it will take.
0:07:41 > 0:07:44However, airlines do state quite clearly,
0:07:44 > 0:07:48usually in their check-in procedures, their emails they send you,
0:07:48 > 0:07:51about checking in in good time.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55Well, when it comes to check-in, the general guidelines are
0:07:55 > 0:07:57three hours for long haul,
0:07:57 > 0:07:59two hours for short haul,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02and one hour for domestic.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06But if in doubt, check your tickets, be there on time,
0:08:06 > 0:08:10oh, and don't get distracted by the shopping opportunities.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13'Michelle, who goes on holiday at least once a year
0:08:13 > 0:08:15'and has never missed a flight before,
0:08:15 > 0:08:18'is adamant that the blame lies with the airline.'
0:08:18 > 0:08:20I don't take no responsibility for missing that flight.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25I was there in time for that flight. I was in the queue where I was told to go.
0:08:25 > 0:08:27I went to the desk where I was told to go.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29And I still didn't get on that aeroplane.
0:08:29 > 0:08:31And it was through no fault of ours.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34'But does the airline agree?
0:08:34 > 0:08:37'Later on I'll be finding out that even if you're at the desk on time,
0:08:37 > 0:08:41'it's not always guaranteed you're going to get on that plane.'
0:08:41 > 0:08:45I handed him my passport, and he looked at it and he says, "You may not be able to go."
0:08:49 > 0:08:52We all want to remember our special holiday,
0:08:52 > 0:08:54and wherever you're jetting off to this year,
0:08:54 > 0:08:57there's bound to be a souvenir just for you.
0:08:58 > 0:09:01'Bags, fridge magnets, local handicrafts,
0:09:01 > 0:09:05'even a novelty photo are all great ways to remember your holiday.
0:09:05 > 0:09:07'But beware, there are some street traders out there
0:09:07 > 0:09:11'who'll take your money and give you nothing in return.
0:09:11 > 0:09:17'Today I'm going to replicate a scam played out in many top tourist destinations around the world.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20'To succeed, I'm going to need some help.'
0:09:20 > 0:09:24Introducing... the grand canary! Yes, it's very simple.
0:09:24 > 0:09:29I'm going to snap some holidaymakers posing next to this cute and cuddly grand canary,
0:09:29 > 0:09:32and for 15 Euros, they can get themselves a souvenir T-shirt,
0:09:32 > 0:09:34for 5 Euros, a key ring,
0:09:34 > 0:09:38and for 1 Euro, a postcard to send home to their loved ones.
0:09:38 > 0:09:42I will then pocket their hard-earned cash and they will never see me again.
0:09:42 > 0:09:44Say cheese!
0:09:44 > 0:09:47'The tourists only realise they've been conned
0:09:47 > 0:09:52'when they turn up to collect their personalised souvenirs and find no-one there.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55'Obviously, I'm not actually going to steal any money,
0:09:55 > 0:09:59'and will let people know what we're up to before they walk away.
0:09:59 > 0:10:04'Right. Time to let this canary out of his cage.'
0:10:07 > 0:10:09How would you like to meet the grand canary?
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- Want your picture taken?- No. - Tempted?- No.
0:10:12 > 0:10:15Come on and say hello to the grand canary.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18One picture. One picture!
0:10:18 > 0:10:20'It's a tough crowd.
0:10:20 > 0:10:25'Looks like these canny holidaymakers know better than to risk getting conned.'
0:10:25 > 0:10:28When you come on holiday, is it important for you to take home a souvenir?
0:10:28 > 0:10:31- For me, no.- Absolutely not.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36- Why? Don't you want to remember this...- Most of it is tacky stuff.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38'Tacky? Me?'
0:10:38 > 0:10:401 Euro. Hug the canary.
0:10:40 > 0:10:43Kiss the canary.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Picture of the grand canary?
0:10:47 > 0:10:49'That's one new friend for the canary.
0:10:49 > 0:10:55'I'm giving it the hard sell, but it's not just us trying to entertain the crowds today.'
0:10:55 > 0:10:57Oh, look, there's Mickey and Minnie.
0:10:57 > 0:11:02'Unlike me, though, Mickey and Minnie here are just harmless street performers.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06'And of course, most street sellers aren't out to scam you. They just want you to buy their goods.
0:11:06 > 0:11:10'Just make sure you know exactly what you're getting.'
0:11:10 > 0:11:14Here's a question for you. You like watches. Have you ever bought one on holiday and thought,
0:11:14 > 0:11:17"I'm getting a great bargain," and it's turned out to be a fake?
0:11:17 > 0:11:20They're all fake. What do you mean? There's no real ones here.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24This was something I bought on holiday in Crete.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- Oh, that's lovely!- Yeah, but I thought it was unique to Crete
0:11:28 > 0:11:32and then I came here and they had them here, they had them in Turkey last year.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35You want to come and say hello to the grand canary?
0:11:35 > 0:11:38'And remember, if someone engages you in conversation,
0:11:38 > 0:11:40'you can always walk away,
0:11:40 > 0:11:42'no matter how much they spin you a sob story.'
0:11:42 > 0:11:46- 1 Euro for a postcard with the grand canary?- No, thank you.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49'While my big bird is strutting his stuff and entertaining the tourists,
0:11:49 > 0:11:52'it looks like I've snared a willing customer.'
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- Now, how would you like a souvenir from Gran Canaria?- No.
0:11:56 > 0:11:591 Euro for a postcard with you and the canary.
0:11:59 > 0:12:02Oh, isn't he cute? Do you fancy it?
0:12:02 > 0:12:07- Yeah, go on. - Right, what I'll do is... Are you going to get in, as well?
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Get in as well!- Come on.
0:12:10 > 0:12:12Ready?
0:12:12 > 0:12:15'Smile for the birdie, say cheese!'
0:12:16 > 0:12:21We'll print it off and you'll pick it up. It's just down here to the left.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23So 2 Euros.
0:12:24 > 0:12:29- My goodness. - It's a memento, isn't it?- Exactly!
0:12:30 > 0:12:36Thank you. 'But before they walk off, it's time for me to come clean.'
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Before you go anywhere, I just have to say,
0:12:39 > 0:12:43here's your 2 Euros back, we're actually filming for the BBC,
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- and say to you don't hand over your cash to people!- Oh!
0:12:47 > 0:12:51Well, you know, next time they say 2 Euros for your picture,
0:12:51 > 0:12:541 Euro, give the Euro when you've got the...
0:12:54 > 0:12:56Picture.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59If that had been a real scam, my mum would've been really upset
0:12:59 > 0:13:03and felt quite foolish. And I would be quite angry
0:13:03 > 0:13:07and probably come back to look for you for upsetting my mum.
0:13:07 > 0:13:09It's a very convincing scam and I fell for it
0:13:09 > 0:13:12because I thought it was a bit of fun and that's what it's all about.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16'Yep, it's easy to get caught out when you're on your holidays.
0:13:16 > 0:13:19'Especially when a fast-talking salesman has you in his sights.'
0:13:19 > 0:13:22But do you ever feel under pressure that you've got to buy a souvenir
0:13:22 > 0:13:24cos somebody keeps hassling you?
0:13:24 > 0:13:27Well, the reason we crossed the road today
0:13:27 > 0:13:30was because we feel under pressure walking past there.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33Each of the shops is touting for business.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36They're dragging you in, "Come and have a look!"
0:13:36 > 0:13:41and yesterday you nearly bought a bag off that guy in the shopping centre.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- I felt sorry for him.- Ah!
0:13:43 > 0:13:47'Although we managed to convince some people we were the real deal,
0:13:47 > 0:13:51'we were obviously faced with some pretty savvy holidaymakers.'
0:13:51 > 0:13:53- Would you like to cuddle the grand canary?- God, no.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57Oh, come on, it's only a Euro for a postcard!
0:13:58 > 0:14:02So it seems that the tourists here know better than to buy off someone like me.
0:14:02 > 0:14:06So do as they did and steer clear of crafty scammers.
0:14:10 > 0:14:15Now, we all know that airports can be chaotic places at the height of the holiday season.
0:14:15 > 0:14:18Checking in, getting through security,
0:14:18 > 0:14:20not to mention having a nose in one or two shops,
0:14:20 > 0:14:22can all take a good few hours.
0:14:22 > 0:14:25But as long as you're there in plenty of time,
0:14:25 > 0:14:29you'll have no problem boarding your flight. Will you?
0:14:29 > 0:14:34'Well, that's what Trevor Gayle from Willesden in North London thought, too.
0:14:34 > 0:14:39'In December 2012, he was all set to fulfil a lifelong travel dream.'
0:14:39 > 0:14:43I've always wanted to go to Egypt and I found the opportunity to go, so I said I'm going to go,
0:14:43 > 0:14:47cos I'm always interested in seeing the pyramids.
0:14:47 > 0:14:52'Trevor booked a flight and his accommodation online with budget airline easyJet.
0:14:52 > 0:14:58'At the time of booking, he was asked for what's called his Advance Passenger Information, or API,
0:14:58 > 0:15:02'personal and passport details which airlines are required to collect
0:15:02 > 0:15:05'for the destination's immigration authorities.'
0:15:05 > 0:15:08I was asked for expiry date,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11when it began, my name, passport number.
0:15:11 > 0:15:13All that was given to them.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17'As far as Trevor was concerned, he was now all set for the big day.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20'But when he arrived at Gatwick Airport a couple of months later,
0:15:20 > 0:15:24'it was an altogether different story.'
0:15:24 > 0:15:27When I got to the check-in desk, I handed him my passport
0:15:27 > 0:15:30and he looked at it and said, "Is this your passport?" I said, "Yes."
0:15:30 > 0:15:33He goes, "Its expiry date is 18/12." I said, "Yes."
0:15:33 > 0:15:40He goes, "I'm afraid you may not be able to go." I said, "What do you mean?"
0:15:40 > 0:15:46'It's a good question. A valid passport is vital if we want to travel outside the UK,
0:15:46 > 0:15:49'but entry requirements vary from country to country.'
0:15:49 > 0:15:55Now, everyone seems to know that you need your passport to be valid for the duration of your stay,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58but sometimes you need it to be valid
0:15:58 > 0:16:01for several months after you get back. How common is that?
0:16:01 > 0:16:04If you want to travel to somewhere like Spain or France,
0:16:04 > 0:16:07then basically, if you've got validity for your stay, you're fine.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10But for destinations outside of Europe,
0:16:10 > 0:16:13it really depends on the individual country,
0:16:13 > 0:16:16but the general rule of thumb is that most countries
0:16:16 > 0:16:20require you to have six months validity on your passport,
0:16:20 > 0:16:22and Egypt is one of those countries.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25Now, who should be telling you that information?
0:16:25 > 0:16:28Your travel operator? Your travel agent?
0:16:28 > 0:16:31Who should be responsible for that?
0:16:31 > 0:16:35Well, if you book a tour operator package, an ATOL-backed package,
0:16:35 > 0:16:40then it is the tour operator's responsibility to make sure that it's drawn to your attention,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44either any passport or visa restrictions.
0:16:44 > 0:16:47'But Trevor didn't book with a tour operator.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50'He booked his flight direct with easyJet.
0:16:50 > 0:16:53'And with nothing on their website to indicate otherwise,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56'he made the unfortunate mistake of assuming he had the right documents
0:16:56 > 0:16:59'and would be fine to travel.'
0:16:59 > 0:17:01I said to them, "This was not told to me."
0:17:01 > 0:17:03I wasn't aware of this.
0:17:03 > 0:17:07I booked my ticket in fairness
0:17:07 > 0:17:09and they had my passport details.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13I said, "Why didn't they tell me this? Cos I booked it from October 9th
0:17:13 > 0:17:16"so I had plenty of time to renew my passport."
0:17:16 > 0:17:21'But it's not actually up to the airline to keep passengers informed.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25'The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travel advice to British tourists.'
0:17:25 > 0:17:28Some countries do have different specific passport requirements.
0:17:28 > 0:17:33Some, for example, require there to be an unexpired term
0:17:33 > 0:17:35at the end of the passport,
0:17:35 > 0:17:38some require there to be a number of empty pages,
0:17:38 > 0:17:40and it's the responsibility of the individual
0:17:40 > 0:17:44to check that they meet the requirements of the country they're visiting.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47'Because Trevor's passport was due to expire
0:17:47 > 0:17:49'a few days after he returned to Britain,
0:17:49 > 0:17:52'Egyptian regulations meant he was not allowed to travel.
0:17:52 > 0:17:57'However, easyJet had had his advance passenger information for months.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59'Could they have flagged up the problem?'
0:17:59 > 0:18:03Trevor feels that because he gave his passport details to easyJet,
0:18:03 > 0:18:05they knew, they should've told him.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09In a perfect world, when you tap in your passport details,
0:18:09 > 0:18:13they call it APIS, Advance Passenger Information,
0:18:13 > 0:18:15it should automatically flag up the fact that,
0:18:15 > 0:18:18"Ooh, your passport runs out in less than six months,
0:18:18 > 0:18:20"therefore you need to get a new one quick."
0:18:20 > 0:18:23Unfortunately, the system is not that sophisticated
0:18:23 > 0:18:27and it is down to the traveller, not to the airline.
0:18:27 > 0:18:33'Sadly, Trevor had no choice but to abandon the holiday he'd looked forward to for months.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36'And although he managed to get a refund on his accommodation,
0:18:36 > 0:18:41'easyJet said he was not entitled to his money back or a replacement flight.
0:18:41 > 0:18:44'It's not the airline's responsibility to make sure
0:18:44 > 0:18:46'passengers have the right documents to travel,
0:18:46 > 0:18:50'but as collecting API is now a pretty standard part of the booking process
0:18:50 > 0:18:55'for most destinations, is it time for a change in the system?'
0:18:55 > 0:18:57I think airlines could be more proactive,
0:18:57 > 0:19:00and where they're collecting information from you
0:19:00 > 0:19:03such as your passport details for API information,
0:19:03 > 0:19:06they could be using that more intelligently
0:19:06 > 0:19:12to maybe wheedle out passengers who potentially could fall foul of having the wrong documents,
0:19:12 > 0:19:15and that benefits not only the passenger
0:19:15 > 0:19:17by allowing them to get away,
0:19:17 > 0:19:21but also benefits the airline by stopping having problems on the day of departure,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23which cause everybody stress.
0:19:23 > 0:19:27'Trevor's experience has left him wary of booking his holidays online.'
0:19:27 > 0:19:30When this happened to me with easyJet, that's what came to my mind,
0:19:30 > 0:19:34I said, "If I went to a travel agent, this wouldn't have happened
0:19:34 > 0:19:37"because I'm face to face with the consultant
0:19:37 > 0:19:40"and any details that need to be known, he would've told me."
0:19:40 > 0:19:43When you're online, you don't know what's happening.
0:19:43 > 0:19:48'Later in the show, Michelle and Trevor hear directly from their airlines.'
0:19:48 > 0:19:51I think Jet2 are responsible for us not getting on that aeroplane.
0:19:55 > 0:19:58Summer holidays might just last a week or two,
0:19:58 > 0:20:01but the memories, well, they can last a lifetime.
0:20:01 > 0:20:05So it's only natural we want a special souvenir to treasure
0:20:05 > 0:20:07on those rainy days back home.
0:20:07 > 0:20:11I've bought a necklace and earrings and I've bought a watch in black.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16We sometimes buy on the street. Depends what we're looking for. But most of the times, we go in a shop.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20If you're buying on the street, you expect it's either going to be good or bad.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23You're not paying a lot for it so it doesn't really matter.
0:20:23 > 0:20:25'Jewellery, ornaments, textiles,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28'whatever souvenir takes your fancy while you're on holiday,
0:20:28 > 0:20:32'there'll be plenty of local traders competing for your business.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36'And sometimes the hustle and bustle and a bit of friendly haggling are all part of the fun.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39'But watch out. There are tourist traps
0:20:39 > 0:20:43'designed to give you the hard sell when you least expect it.
0:20:45 > 0:20:48'You might want to go on a sightseeing tour when you're on holiday,
0:20:48 > 0:20:51'but as tour guide Carlos Ortega has seen,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55'if someone offers you a tour that is either dirt cheap or free,
0:20:55 > 0:20:59'chances are it's a ploy to try and sell you something.'
0:20:59 > 0:21:01You shouldn't be looking for something which is free.
0:21:01 > 0:21:04Hang on, you're on holiday, you want something for free!
0:21:04 > 0:21:08Yes, but very often, what you're supposed to think is a good deal,
0:21:08 > 0:21:12a free thing, it might end having a nightmare,
0:21:12 > 0:21:15buying something or getting something which you didn't wish to have.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17'Here's how it works.
0:21:17 > 0:21:21'Unsuspecting tourists will be lured in by a bargain-bucket tour
0:21:21 > 0:21:24'which may even come with the promise of free food and drink.
0:21:24 > 0:21:29'Pretty good when you consider some excursions can cost upwards of £40 to £50 per person.'
0:21:29 > 0:21:34If someone is offering you something like a free breakfast, a free lunch,
0:21:34 > 0:21:38and for a price that might be nothing, peanuts, 2, 3, 4 Euros,
0:21:38 > 0:21:40you have to think twice.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44'Once you agree to go on the tour, you'll probably be shown a few sights
0:21:44 > 0:21:47'to fool you into thinking you're on a proper trip.
0:21:47 > 0:21:53'You may even get your free food. But then you'll be taken to a shop, warehouse or factory
0:21:53 > 0:21:55'and exposed to some heavy-handed salesmen.'
0:21:55 > 0:22:00You might find yourself taken into a place for three or four hours
0:22:00 > 0:22:04to buy whatever, a blanket or whatever,
0:22:04 > 0:22:07and you spend half of the tour in a factory
0:22:07 > 0:22:11and the other half you might see something in a very quick mode.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14'Once on the tour, you're a captive audience and there's no real escape,
0:22:14 > 0:22:18'especially if you've been driven miles from where you're staying.
0:22:18 > 0:22:20'What you might be sold depends on where you are,
0:22:20 > 0:22:24'so in Asian, a Tuk Tuk tour could be a front for flogging you suits or jeweller,
0:22:24 > 0:22:28'in North Africa, the friendly person offering you directions
0:22:28 > 0:22:30'might lead you to their friend's ornament shop,
0:22:30 > 0:22:35'and here in the Canary Islands, expensive blankets are the order of the day.'
0:22:35 > 0:22:40But surely, Carlos, if somebody's paying 5 Euros for a tour,
0:22:40 > 0:22:44they don't want to spend a lot of money, so they're not the type of people
0:22:44 > 0:22:47that are going to spend maybe hundreds of Euros on blankets.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51You get a professional seller who is touching your heart.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- So they kind of convince you you need those products.- Exactly.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59Even though if you needed them, you would've gone out and found them yourself.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03Exactly. If they wouldn't do, though, you wouldn't buy it.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06'The bottom line is once they've got you on the tour,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09'they've got a pretty good chance of browbeating you into a sale.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12'So the key is to avoid being suckered into a tour
0:23:12 > 0:23:16'just because it seems an unbelievably good deal.'
0:23:16 > 0:23:20But what if somebody says to you, "This deal is only for today"?
0:23:20 > 0:23:24"5 Euros for today!" Then you should definitely take it, shouldn't you?
0:23:24 > 0:23:29Well, when someone is pressing you so much, there is something behind.
0:23:29 > 0:23:32- Yeah?- Yes, in most cases, yes.
0:23:32 > 0:23:34I wouldn't like someone to force me to do something
0:23:34 > 0:23:37if that is supposed to be only today.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40'It's great advice. Clearly a bargain tour
0:23:40 > 0:23:43'could mean getting much more than you bargained for.
0:23:43 > 0:23:47So if you are going to go on an excursion on holiday this year,
0:23:47 > 0:23:50make sure you go with a recognised tour guide
0:23:50 > 0:23:54or you could end up with a sack full of souvenirs you don't really want.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02As I've been finding out, getting to the airport in plenty of time
0:24:02 > 0:24:05and having the right documentation to fly is vital,
0:24:05 > 0:24:10otherwise you could find your holiday's over before it's even started.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13'But these aren't the only reasons you could be denied boarding.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18'Here are some tips on how to make sure you don't get caught out checking in.
0:24:19 > 0:24:23'Airlines can and will turn you away if you haven't let them know
0:24:23 > 0:24:27'about certain medical conditions, for example, a broken leg, before you're due to travel.
0:24:27 > 0:24:30'And if you're pregnant, you could be denied boarding
0:24:30 > 0:24:32'if you're too close to your due date.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36'This varies from airline to airline, so always double-check.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41'If you've had one too many holiday sangrias before getting on the plane,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44'you could be deemed too drunk to fly and get left behind.
0:24:44 > 0:24:47'If you do manage to make it onboard,
0:24:47 > 0:24:50'any drunken behaviour could see you thrown off
0:24:50 > 0:24:52'or even arrested before takeoff.
0:24:52 > 0:24:58'If you turn up with too many bags, you could be forced to pay through the nose to check them all in,
0:24:58 > 0:25:04'and if you can't pay, you'll have to leave some luggage behind or stay behind yourself.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10'A few months on, Trevor Gayle is still upset
0:25:10 > 0:25:13'about the loss of his dream holiday to Egypt
0:25:13 > 0:25:17'because he didn't know he needed six months validity on his passport
0:25:17 > 0:25:21'to enter the country. We put his case to easyJet and they said...
0:25:58 > 0:26:01'A disappointing outcome for Trevor but a warning to us all.'
0:26:03 > 0:26:06What advice would you give to consumers on this issue?
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Have a look at your passport right now.
0:26:09 > 0:26:11Go and have a look in the drawer where you keep it.
0:26:11 > 0:26:16And if the expiry date is less than nine months away,
0:26:16 > 0:26:18get a new passport now.
0:26:18 > 0:26:23That's because you're entitled to nine months of extra validity
0:26:23 > 0:26:28and that means you're guaranteed to avoid problems of the sort that Trevor experienced.
0:26:28 > 0:26:32'Next, we contacted Jet2 airlines on behalf of Michelle White,
0:26:32 > 0:26:34'who was turned away from a flight to Alicante
0:26:34 > 0:26:37'because, it's claimed, she was late checking in.
0:26:37 > 0:26:39'They said...'
0:27:14 > 0:27:17'It's a blow for Michelle and her friends
0:27:17 > 0:27:19who, although they eventually had a good holiday,
0:27:19 > 0:27:25'now have to wave goodbye to the extra £1,500 they shelled out for new flights.
0:27:25 > 0:27:28'Michelle was unimpressed by Jet2's response.'
0:27:28 > 0:27:31And they're just not taking responsibility
0:27:31 > 0:27:34for that staffing on that day.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40And I'm really disappointed, to be honest.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42'So Michelle's unfortunate experience
0:27:42 > 0:27:45'is another cautionary tale to other travellers.
0:27:50 > 0:27:55'It's always better to be there early than to not fly at all.
0:27:55 > 0:28:01'That's all for today, but join us next time for more Don't Get Done In The Sun.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd