VS31 diversion into Martinique

Just back from St Lucia,and got chatting to a couple from the Friday flight last week at the hotel we left.Apparently the plane couldn't land with the heavy heavy rain,they were told UVF couldn't deal with a 747 in heavy rain,so they were diverted to Martinique[ii]
Anyways,the ground staff managed to gouge a hole in one of the wings when they wheeled the steps over[:0].
The couple had to stay in Martinique overnight and were not best pleased as they had lost a day of their holiday and they are only there for 7 days.Virgin have apologised and offered 12500 air miles for the trouble.I know that there were alot of couples in the hotel lobby talking to the Virgin rep when we left on Sunday.Thought I'd share.....[:)]

[Darren Wheeler]

Not sure how they figure they lost a couple of days of their holiday? After all, it's not as though Martinique is 8 hours away, but hey...

I think they were annoyed that they were put up in a basic hotel in Martinique for the night instead of the 5 star hotel they paid for[ii].They were also left for hours apparently without water or supplies,particularly the folks with kids.The Virgin crew got off the plane and left them in the airport to fend for themselves,so I'm told.....[:)]

Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
Not sure how they figure they lost a couple of days of their holiday? After all, it's not as though Martinique is 8 hours away, but hey...

Ofcourse they have lost a few days[:?], the first and second day because of travel and not waking up in your own room, I think they have every right to be upset as they will have paid a lot of money and are not where there supposed to be.
I know how they feel because our honeymoon ended up being 5 days not 7 in Mexico because of problems out of our hands, but you do certainly look at it as lost.

cheers
alex[:)]

[Decker]

In fairness the crew had just finished their shift and it isn't their responsibility to look after the delayed pax. They were probably just as disappointed as the pax but it was completely beyond their control. Must have been gutting for all concerned.

Does anyone know the a/c involved and whether it has been repaired yet?

The LGW fleet is stretched enough at the moment without another aircraft down!

I agree it is 'lost holiday time' as you are in a different country in a different hotel, unable to unpack or check-in to the room that you booked, and also you then have to go back to the airport, hang around for a flight and then do the customs/immigration thing all over again once you get to the country you intended to go to!