CONSUMERS in Powys who have been affected by airline companies going bust in recent weeks do have rights, Powys County Council has confirmed.
The council’s Trading Standards Service is today urging consumers to find out what financial protection is available to them in the event of an airline or travel company going bust, as has happened with GoldTrail and Kiss Flights.
Clive Jones, the council’s Principal Trading Standards Officer, said: “Your level of protection will vary depending on whether you’ve booked a package holiday or made your own arrangements. Make sure you have asked the right questions before you book.
“All companies selling package holidays must offer protection to prevent you losing money and help you sort out particular problems if they, or the airline you are flying with, go bust.”
Tour operators selling package holidays by air must hold an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
“Your invoice from the tour operator will show that you are ATOL-protected. Keep this important document safe and take it with you in case you need to prove that you’re covered,” Clive explained.
“If you are abroad on a package holiday and your airline fails, your tour operator will take care of you at no extra expense. If any airline fails before you travel, your tour operator must offer a replacement holiday or refund.
“If the tour operator fails, and it has an ATOL, the CAA will get you home if you are already on holiday or give you a full refund if you have not travelled.”
Usually, travellers will be able to return home as planned on the same date and to the same UK airport.
Occasionally you may need to extend your holiday by a few days or back to or from a different airport. You won’t be charged again for your return flight or for any extra transport you need because of a change of airport.
To find our more about package holidays and your rights visit www.direct.gov.uk and type ‘Package holidays’ in the search box.