Following the unexpected collapse of XL Airways, Which? (website: www.which.co.uk) has issued advice to those who may find themselves caught up in a similar situation.
The consumer group noted that most of XL’s passengers should have little difficulty securing refunds for cancelled bookings because of protection offered by travel agents.
But it added that other travellers will be unable to secure compensation, underscoring the importance of taking “steps to ensure they are protected”.
Which? spokesperson Rochelle Turner noted that anyone who booked their flight as part of package holiday will have automatic protection, as will people who made use of an ATOL-bonded travel agent.
She added that people who purchased tickets with a credit card or Visa debit card also have little to worry about, while some travellers will even protected by their travel insurance policy.
But Ms Turner went on to say: “Sadly if these don’t apply to you there’s little hope of you seeing your money again – so bear this in mind when you book your next flight or renew your travel policy.”
The advice comes as BA chief executive Willie Walsh predicted that up to 30 airlines will go bust in the next four months.
