Thomas Cook announced on Monday that it has entered into liquidation after the Government refused to bailout the travel firm. Since the collapse, there has been some confusion about the relation between Thomas Cook and fellow holiday company TUI. Thomas Cook and TUI are separate companies, however, a select number of TUI holidays use Thomas Cook flights as well as selling a small number of Thomas Cook holidays through their stores. Travel association ABTA has today issued a travel advice warning to holidaymakers that their holiday may still be going ahead if Thomas Cook only served as an agent for other tour operators.
“ABTA is aware that some customers who made bookings where Thomas Cook was selling as an agent for other tour operators may assume that their holiday has been cancelled,” an ABTA spokesperson said. “This may not be the case.
“If the holiday was actually made by Thomas Cook with another tour operator, that operator may still be able to provide the holiday.
“Customers should ensure they carefully check all of their paperwork and contact the operator who will deal with them directly.
“If customers mistakenly rebook they may be in the position of having two valid bookings and they will be subject to cancellation charges for the holiday they do not take. Information clarifying this issue is prominently displayed on abta.com.”
All TUI and First Choice bookings featuring Thomas Cook flights for customers due to travel from Monday 23 September until 31 October 2019 have been cancelled but those featuring TUI flights are still going ahead.
Holidaymakers with Thomas Cook flights have had their travel plans changes and are advised to visit thomascook.caa.co.uk for the relevant and up to date information for your new travel plans.
TUI has said: “We would like to reassure customers that all TUI Airways flights have TOM flight numbers.
“Therefore, if you are booked onto a flight that has a flight number starting with TOM, your flight will operate as normal.”
The holiday company added: “We are working hard to help affected customers find alternative holidays, so we will do everything we can to help in these extraordinary circumstances.”
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced today that it is extending the ATOLs of all ATOL holders that have applied to renew their ATOLs on 1 October 2019 (but who have not yet received their UK CAA decision) to 25 October 2019.
“This is to enable ATOL holders affected by the failure and the UK Civil Aviation Authority to focus its resources on looking after Thomas Cook Group consumers,” said the CAA.
Today marks day three of the CAA’s repatriation operation. Around 46,000 people, approximately 30 per cent of the total number have now been flown home.
Over 70 flights are scheduled to operate today, 26 September, to bring back a further 16,000 people.
Martin Lewis issued a warning today to Thomas Cook customers today who have been hit by the tour operator’s demise.
Hotels are being accused of holding Thomas Cook holidaymakers “hostage” in Cuba and other countries as they demand payment from the traveller.
“Certainly if you feel unsafe I would suggest you pay, keep the receipts and hope to claim back later – safety is more important,” the MoneySavingExpert told ITV’s Good Morning Britain.
