Ski tour operators who have organised ski holidays for their customers this winter using the now defunct Thomas Cook Airlines have told skiers not to worry.
Companies including Inghams and Neilson say they are working to find alternative routes and carriers, or to offer alternative holidays to affected customers, with the final option of a full refund, and say they’ll be in touch.
“Don’t worry, your money is safe and we are working hard to find alternative flight arrangements. If the alternative options available are not suitable you’ll be entitled to receive a full refund,” a Neilson statement this morning reads.
Thomas Cook have not really sold ski packages of their own for several years (they formerly owned Club 18-30 among others) but their travel agency division did sell packages from many other ski holiday companies.
In most cases it appears the tour operator concerned will take over full responsibility for such bookings from Thomas Cook, but most are advising skiers that if they had booked through Thomas Cook, they go directly to them with their booking details, particularly if the booking is recent, to ensure they have all details and that will be the way forward.
The back up position is that a full refund for monies paid should be re-claimable through a travel trade trust, and a fresh booking can be made at the same time as that refund is being processed.
Some skiers will have booked independently and direct with Thomas Cook Airlines and are most likely to get their money back if they paid with a credit card or have suitable insurance cover (although oddly few policies do cover the flight provider going bust and seeking a refund through your card provider is generally the better bet).
At least one of the transfer companies that collects skiers from French airports and delivers them to their destination resort, Ben’s Bus, has issued a statement saying anyone affected can change their booking as required or get a full refund. It reads:
“Following the very sad news that Thomas Cook, the 170 year old travel company, has ceased trading, Ben’s Bus would like to pass all the Thomas Cook staff, their families and their customers all the best. This must be a very distressing time for all involved and we hope those people can find some gainful employment elsewhere. Hopefully their customers holiday plans will not be disrupted too much. If you were booked on a Thomas Cook Airlines flight and you had a Ben’s Bus Ski Transfer booked to your ski resort, please check your emails. We have been in touch with you to let you know that we can either change your booking free or charge or offer you a refund.”
