Tweet
Hello, first time and not sure where to post: I have an active small claims court case regarding a £3,044.80 refund for fully refundable flight tickets purchased in the UK in May 2024. Air France has filed an Acknowledgment of Service ticking both 'intend to defend all of this claim' and 'intend to contest jurisdiction.' I need urgent advice on how to respond to the jurisdiction challenge.
I believe the UK court has jurisdiction for the following reasons: the contract was entered into in the UK; payment was made in GBP using a UK debit card; I was a UK resident at the time of purchase; and Air France has an active registered UK establishment at Plesman House, Bedfont, Middlesex (Companies House ref FC003768/BR000490), which is the same address that responded to the claim.
I am aware Air France may argue jurisdiction on the basis that the outbound flights departed from Paris Charles de Gaulle and that the contract may contain a French jurisdiction clause. However as a consumer who contracted in the UK, I believe I am entitled to bring proceedings in my home courts under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the retained EU consumer protection principles under UK law.
I have three years of bank statements confirming no refund was ever received. I have exhausted all other avenues including ADR, multiple direct contact attempts, and a formal Letter Before Action. The 14-day window for Air France to make their formal jurisdiction application expires on 20 May 2026, and I urgently need to understand whether the UK court does or does not have jurisdiction over this claim. Can anyone on this forum help me find clarification?
I believe the UK court has jurisdiction for the following reasons: the contract was entered into in the UK; payment was made in GBP using a UK debit card; I was a UK resident at the time of purchase; and Air France has an active registered UK establishment at Plesman House, Bedfont, Middlesex (Companies House ref FC003768/BR000490), which is the same address that responded to the claim.
I am aware Air France may argue jurisdiction on the basis that the outbound flights departed from Paris Charles de Gaulle and that the contract may contain a French jurisdiction clause. However as a consumer who contracted in the UK, I believe I am entitled to bring proceedings in my home courts under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the retained EU consumer protection principles under UK law.
I have three years of bank statements confirming no refund was ever received. I have exhausted all other avenues including ADR, multiple direct contact attempts, and a formal Letter Before Action. The 14-day window for Air France to make their formal jurisdiction application expires on 20 May 2026, and I urgently need to understand whether the UK court does or does not have jurisdiction over this claim. Can anyone on this forum help me find clarification?
Comment