Which? comment on travel companies LateRooms and SuperBreaks going into administration

Which? Travel’s Naomi Leach said:  

“These holiday firms going bust will be understandably distressing for the tens of thousands of people affected. Anyone who booked a package holiday through SuperBreak will be protected by Atol or Abta depending on the mode of transport they booked. Holidaymakers covered by these schemes will be brought home free of charge.

“Customers who have already paid and booked for an upcoming holiday with the collapsed travel operator should also be entitled to a refund as part of these schemes.

“Anyone who booked a hotel through Late Rooms won’t be covered but the Malvern Group who owns the collapsed accommodation supplier has said all bookings should be secure. We suggest you check your booking confirmation and contact the hotel directly to make sure.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

For the latest advice, visit the Which? website

Atol & Abta protection

  • If you have Atol protection you’re guaranteed help if an airline or package holiday company collapses. If you’re stranded abroad you must be found an alternative flight home at no further cost to you. If you haven’t left for your holiday yet, you’ll be refunded.

    • If you have Abta protection, the same principles will apply for packages that include transport such as rail, cruise and self-drive.

  • You need to contact your travel agent immediately to arrange this.

  • If you are abroad without Atol Protection In most cases, you’ll need to book flights back with another alternative airline and pay for it yourself.

  • Some airlines offer reduced ‘repatriation fares’ for stranded passengers. These are usually available by telephone only within a few hours of an airline going bust (but maybe not immediately) and last for around two weeks.

  • Make sure you discuss your options and potential reimbursement with other airlines or your insurance provider before booking flights home.

  • You can try to claim the cost of your original flight back, but it may be a few weeks before your claim goes through and you get the money back.

Can I recover my costs if I don’t have ATOL protection?

  • You could claim against your credit card company under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

  • To be eligible, you need to have paid more than £100 for your flights or holiday, and used your credit card to book direct with the tour operator or airline – usually, this means it needs to be either the airline or holiday company listed on your credit card bill.

  • But, some credit card companies will give a refund even if you’ve paid via a travel agent and it’s the agent’s name listed on your credit card bill.

  • If you book a return flight, the total value must be at least £100 – if you book flights individually, each must be at least £100. See our section 75 guide for help.

  • Flights costing less than £100 booked on a credit card, or any flights booked with a debit card, may still get some protection via the chargeback scheme. See our chargeback guide for more.

  • If neither of these approaches works you’ll have to join the list of creditors, but it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get any money back.

Statement