⚠️ Avoid Classic Wings at all costs
⚠️ Avoid Classic Wings – Unethical and Unsympathetic Company ⚠️
This is the last thing I wanted to do, but I feel I have no choice but to warn others about my experience with Classic Wings, as they provide direct experience days to the public and their conduct is deeply concerning .
I originally booked a Tiger Moth flight for my husband on 29 March 2024 through Virgin Experience Days. Unfortunately, the experience was cancelled twice by Classic Wings — the second time on what was a beautiful summer’s day. They claimed the weather was “turning,” but the day remained perfectly clear.
My husband and I live 4 hours away from Duxford, so each visit required an overnight hotel stays.
Each time, Classic Wings reassured us that our voucher could be used “anytime” due to the repeated cancellations. However, when I contacted them again in October 2025, Terri Butcher (Manager) informed me that the voucher had expired and I was not entitled to a refund or extension.
When I explained I had a serious illness and was diagnosed with a tumour, her response was cold and appalling — stating that “my husband wasn’t ill, so he could have used the voucher”. The lack of empathy and basic decency was shocking.
I received was a curt email stating that I had “missed the deadline” and that sending a reminder before expiry “wasn’t their responsibility.” I then contacted Virgin Experience Days, but Classic Wings refused to release the voucher back to them, ensuring I couldn’t receive a refund or any goodwill compensation.
After reading other reviews, it seems this pattern of behaviour — cancelling on the day and relying on customers forgetting to rebook — is not uncommon with Classic Wings.
As someone currently awaiting surgery to have a tumour removed, I find it deeply disappointing that a company providing public experiences at an historic site can act with such dishonesty, greed, and lack of compassion.
I have email evidence to support every detail of my account, and I urge anyone considering booking with Classic Wings to stay well away. They are unethical, unreliable, and completely devoid of customer care.
Do not be fooled by their excuses or “terms and conditions” — this company cannot be trusted.
Odpowiedź od classic-wings.co.uk
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We haven't previously used this platform so apologise for the late reply.
Unfortunately the weather is something which is totally out of our control.
While days may look bright there is a lot more to consider including wind velocity and direction which greatly affects vintage aircraft. While we fully understand how disappointing a cancellation is we have to put your safety first.
The other factor is that unfortunately as we all know weather forecasts aren't 100% accurate. We have to make decisions based on the information we have at the time.
Our booking terms and conditions are very much standard. We do offer extensions but, in line with all other operators, there has to be an expiry date.
We refute that our customer service is lacking. We fly thousands of very happy customers every year and have been doing so for over 35 years.
Naturally we are deeply saddened to hear of your illness and wish you the very best in your recovery.