And let the fun begin on trying to recoup out of pocket expensive on our trip following the Emirates mess.

First step was calling our tour operator Kuoni. In fairness their on call duty lady (lovely Amy who I could have hugged when I first spoke to her in the 7 hour queue in Dubai) sorted our hotel in Dubai calmly and was really helpful. However the call when we returned – while also caring and kind pretty much went along the lines of:

Me: hi yes we have had a very expensive holiday ruined as a result of flights cancelled and being stranded in Dubai for 4 nights

Kuoni: ah yes that’s truly awful, and lost luggage, oh you poor things

Me: so we need to start recouping lost bookings for cancelled hotel rooms (you know that very expensive 5 star one in Singapore) and cancelled flights. Can you help

Kuoni: oh not really. Force Majeure.

Me: Erm, we get that if the flood happened while we were en route. BUT it happened before we even left Manchester. We even checked online – all flights were showing on time, Dubai was publically saying open for business. Surely Kuoni and Emirates knew we were about to walk into chaos.

Kuoni: well it is a once in 75 year event. Force Majeure. We can’t really help so call Emirates and that’s why you have travel insurance

Me: oh thank you so much for that. (smiles sweetly while grinding teeth)

In fairness they are refunding some bits like taxis, did sort a hotel when Emirates could not be bothered and they have offered to help chase Emirates on our luggage. But seriously….

Good job I’m married to an expert letter writer and complainer. Oh Mr Fogg………. ….