As many will be wondering what options they have, what can a customer who has not yet departed for their trip do, now Thomas Cook has stopped operating. Are they able to claim back any money, will they be provided alternative flights, or will they able to purchase new ones for discounted rates etc.
(Note that this is for those who have not departed yet, those who are already on their trip will be flown home by flights organised by the Civil Aviation Authority)
This BBC article has a panel outlining the rights of UK customers regarding this:
If you are on a package holiday, you are covered by the Atol scheme.
The scheme will pay for your accommodation abroad, although you may have to move to a different hotel or apartment.
Atol will also pay to have you brought home if the airline is no longer operating.
If you have a holiday booked in the future, you will also be refunded by the scheme.
If you have booked a flight-only deal, you will need to apply to your travel insurance company or credit card and debit card provider to seek a refund.
The below applies to UK customers only, with other answers able to cover other countries TC has operated in.
For package holidays:
Any package booked through Thomas Cook is protected by ATOL. You are able to get a full refund through them. Do not go to the airport unless you have booked yourself onto a new holiday yourself.
Flight only
If you have only booked flights from TC, you can claim this back via credit card or travel insurance if you have either. If you book your own alternative outbound flight now, you are not entitled to a reparation flight on your return journey.
Hotel Only
If you have booked a hotel only deal, your flights will still be available with your chosen flight company, but you should contact them to be sure of this before travelling.
Source: the information being given out today, by TC themselves.
For more information and links on how to make ATOL claims, visit the Thomas Cook website.
