Birmingham Airport car park ‘refused refund’ to grieving son after mum’s tragic death

A grieving son was initially refused a holiday refund for a parking space at Birmingham Airport when his mother died unexpectedly. Craig Griffith’s mother Ann Symonds died at the age of 87 the day before he was to go on a two-week holiday to Egypt with his son Connor on Friday 12 July.

Craig, 53, said there was no problem canceling the holiday which was booked with TUI. But he said the company he paid £124 to look after his car while on holiday initially refused to help him because he did not give 72 hours’ notice.

He claimed the car park at Birmingham Airport, also known as the ‘AK Meet and Greet’, turned him away ‘with the head’ when Craig asked to cancel the booking and show sympathy. BirminghamLive contacted Birmingham Airport Parking and said they would honor his booking for a future date at no extra cost.

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Craig, from Glouchester, spoke to BirminghamLive and said he was happy with the resolution: “They said it was because I didn’t give three days’ notice. I felt upset and angry, it’s the last thing you need when your mother has just died.

“It’s not about money, it’s about principle. Your mom died and you’re grieving and disbelieving and there’s that. I’m dealing with my mother’s death and this was the last thing I needed from Airport service showed no personal touch, just explained the terms and conditions. I’m a regular customer, they didn’t even use my name.

A spokesman for the company said: “We have guided Mr Griffiths to the terms and conditions he accepted prior to booking, which clearly state that notice of cancellation must be provided at least three working days before the date of departure . This policy ensures that reserved slots are available to other customers.

“We understand that Mr Griffiths is going through a difficult time. As a courtesy, we have offered her the option to change her reservation to a future date at no additional cost. We can put the current booking on hold and change it later for the same number of days and the same service.

“We hope this resolution demonstrates our willingness to assist Mr Griffiths at this difficult time.”

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