With Your fears over end of Cook

THE collapse of the historic British travel firm Thomas Cook has left many readers with questions.

They are worried about how and when they will get their cash back for future holidays and flight bookings with the company.

Here I answer some of the key concerns for customers.

Who protects us, and how?

A reader called Kelsey, from Nottingham, booked a holiday to Spain with Thomas Cook for April 2020. She told me that she has been comforted by the news that she is protected under Atol, a scheme run by the Civil Aviation Authority, a public body.

But she is still concerned because she has not been getting any joy from Atol when she asked about her refund. I have received plenty of messages like this but there is no need to worry.

The Civil Aviation Authority announced it will launch a service to process Thomas Cook refunds from tomorrow.

My understanding is that consumers will be able to lodge their claim online and that the typical refund time will be 60 days. I booked a flight only and paid on my credit card?

Tracey, from Cardiff, has booked return flights to Italy for this December.

She is not Atol protected so has asked me if she can claim via her credit card provider. There is good news for Tracey. She will be able to get her money back.

On the basis that her tickets cost more than £ 100 she can claim under what is known as section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. All

Ashe has to do is contact her card provider and ask for a claim form. I booked a flight only and paid on my debit card.

Robert, from Scunthorpe, North Lincs, booked return flights to Madrid for his honeymoon next week. He paid on his debit card and asked if he has anywhere to turn as he is not Atol protected.

I have advised Robert to contact his card provider and make what is called a chargeback claim.

This is very similar to a section 75 claim but is a voluntary scheme that banks subscribe to.

The claims must be made within 120 days.

The goods news is that I have already heard stories from consumers who have had their claims accepted.

For more advice from Dean see theconsumerlawyer.blog.