Information on Loughborough

Loughborough residents urged to check summer holiday protection

Posted on 13/07/2009
newsdesk

Consumer Direct East Midlands is advising people in and around Loughborough and Charnwood who are planning their summer holiday to check how they are financially protected should their airline or tour operator go bust.

Over the last twelve months, Consumer Direct, the OFT-managed advice service, has received hundreds of calls from travellers trying to get refunds after their airline or travel operator ceased trading, many of whom did not have the financial protection they expected.

Sara Barry, Consumer Direct East Midlands Manager said: 'Thankfully, the vast majority of people have trouble-free holidays, but when things go wrong, it can be a big financial and emotional blow if you don't have the protection you expect.

'The protection available depends on whether you are booking a package holiday or making your own arrangements so it's important to ask the right questions at the time of booking and keep all the relevant paperwork.'

Package holidays

Companies selling package holidays must offer protection to prevent customers from losing money and help to sort out any practical problems if they, or the airline, goes bust.

Tour operators selling package holidays by air must hold an Air Travel Organiser