Thomas Cook collapse – GoCompare offers advice to holiday makers and those yet to travel
Sally Jaques, of GoCompare Travel Insurance gives advice to those affected.
“The collapse of Thomas Cook will leave thousands of British tourists with a holiday headache they hadn’t bargained for.
“The failure of such a well-known and trusted holiday company should serve as a reminder to anyone planning a trip abroad that these are unprecedented times of uncertainty. Anyone booking a holiday or flight with any company should ensure they arrange appropriate travel cover as soon as their trip is booked. It’s usually a very small price to pay for peace of mind.
“Thankfully, as Thomas Cook package holidays are ATOL protected, those already abroad on package holidays will be brought home at the end of their trip free of charge and without having to pay extra charges to their hotels and other accommodation arranged as part of their package deal. Some hoteliers may however try to charge guests extra on departure to try to recoup any losses they might expect from the company’s collapse and holidaymakers should stand firm. The CAA website has good advice here - https://thomascook.caa.co.uk/customers/if-you-are-currently-abroad/managing-difficulties-with-your-accommodation/
“Customers who have booked flights only with Thomas Cook Airlines are not covered by the ATOL or ABTA protection schemes, but they may be able to claim a refund if they have Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI) as part of their travel insurance policy. If they have, they will be able to claim on that for the cost of the flights and for other holiday expenses up to the maximum claim limit as specified on the policy. If they paid for their flights with a credit card and the cost was over £100, they may also benefit from the protection afforded by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act and customers should contact their credit card company for guidance. Sadly, those who paid by debit card do not have the same protection.
“For those yet to travel and have booked package holidays leaving from today, unfortunately they will not be travelling as all holidays and flights have been cancelled. However, they should get the full cost of their package holiday reimbursed through the ATOL and ABTA schemes. This may take some time bearing in mind the many thousands of customers Thomas Cook has. Those who have booked extras outside of the package deal such as for hire cars, transfers and extra excursions may have to claim on their travel insurance and should contact their insurer for advice."
Further information can be found on the CAA’s dedicated website:
The following guides from GoCompare also give useful information to customers affected:
Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI)
Travel insurance cancellation cover
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For further information please contact:
Anders Nilsson or Louisa Marsden at GoCompare on 01633 654 054 / 01633 655 132
Gordon, Jason or Liz at MAW Communications on 01603 505 845
Keep up-to-date with GoCompare on Twitter; @GoCompare
Notes to editors
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