10 Hour Delay. Review on Excel Airways

I have read many of the comments on this site and want to share my own experiences of flying with Excel Airways. On 9 June 2005 my wife and I were delayed by 10 hours when flying from Mytilini to Manchester. When we arrived at Mytilini we were asked to check in and informed that our plane was on time. We then left the tiny airport in an attempt to find somewhere to eat. We then returned to the airport 45 minutes prior to take of and attempted to board our plane. Astonishingly we were told that we couldn't board the plane as we would be delayed by 10 hours! This was after we had been told that the plane was on time when we checked in. More amazing was that our plane from Manchester had landed and the passengers were getting off! We were told that our flight was being delayed due to 'technical difficulties'. This was obviously not the case as our plane was on the ground at Mytilini airport and other passengers were boarding it! It appears that Excel Airways in their wisdom had decided to re-route our scheduled plane to take passengers back to Gatwick, where there had been a genuine delay due to 'technical difficulties'. Whilst we waited at the ill equipped Mytilini airport Excel provided very limited information and were not forthcoming in complying with EU law and did not offer refreshments, phonecalls etc willingly. Eventually after many heated conversations with reps we were fed and watered. Looking at this site if you are travelling with Excel it is definitely worth checking up on your rights should you be delayed as they are not going to offer anything unless you ask! Having eventually got home I immediately set about seeking compensation for our delay. After a regular exchange of letters from Excel it became clear that they were determined to hide behind the 'technical difficulties' defence and so I sought compensation through the small claims court. Eventually I was successfull and was awarded £500 compensation and all costs. Although the process does involve some costs I certainly would recommend other disgruntled fliers follow this route. Needless to say I will not be flying with Excel again!