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Original poster

I've booked my flights with Thomas Cook for 2020

80 replies

ThomasCockItUp · 15/09/2019 11:49

First family holiday abroad.

Am I fucked?
Paid with debit card.

Would normal travel insurance cover it if they go under?

Am stressed!

OP posts:
Auntyfannybaws · 15/09/2019 11:50

Booked for October!! Don't know what to think?

HereWeGoNow · 15/09/2019 11:52

Did you read the t&cs?

BentBastard · 15/09/2019 11:53

If you do the free trial, this article
Might have useful info...

www.independent.co.uk/travel/thomas-cook-flights-cancelled-fosun-takeover-new-york-travel-insurance-compensation-queues-a9099276.html

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Flying Holidays
WaynettaSlobOnTheSchoolRun · 15/09/2019 11:55

If you booked an ATOL protected package I think you'll be ok.

BarbaraofSeville · 15/09/2019 13:20

Yes, you'll be covered by ATOL if it's a package. You might also covered via charge back on your debit card.

Your travel insurance is unlikely to help you unless they go bust while you are away.

We were booked to fly with monarch a few days after they went bust and luckily I had the time and foresight to book new flights that Monday morning so they were more expensive but not scarily so and I got the extra money back from the credit card anyway. A few hours later and flights had gone up massively and then sold out.

If you're not travelling on a package paying by credit card is the easiest way to protect your money against a supplier going bust as you get consequential loss protection, such as the extra cost of new flights at short notice.

Ilikewinter · 15/09/2019 13:26

Have you booked flights only OR a proper package holiday?

Holiday package will be covered by ATOL.

No coverage on flight only. You need to make sure your insurance includes "end supplier failure" cover. This covers independent bookings of flights, hotels etc. It may not be included on normal travel insurance, its often an optional extra.

Dieu · 15/09/2019 16:45

I am flying to Greece with them next July (2020). I must have been living on a different planet, as I'd had no idea they were in difficulty. Shit.

Dieu · 15/09/2019 16:47

I booked flights, hotel and transfers separately, but through the same company (loveholidays). I'm not sure if this counts as a package or not?

TheFutureMrsB · 15/09/2019 17:32

I've booked with Thomas Cook for 2020, I've completely missed this! Shit!

BarbaraofSeville · 15/09/2019 17:37

Yes it does dieu you should have an atol or abta certificate within your booking paperwork.

Original poster
ThomasCockItUp · 15/09/2019 17:40

It's flights only Sad

I can't afford to rebook flights. These were over £2k,and I'd saved for 6 months to pay them (I've got to pay the hotel off after Christmas)

OP posts:
Original poster
ThomasCockItUp · 15/09/2019 17:41

I booked the flights alone through TC direct.

OP posts:
Original poster
ThomasCockItUp · 15/09/2019 17:42

It was a debit card. Don't own a credit card.

OP posts:
drivingtofrance · 15/09/2019 17:42

I can't r ead the article without subscribing.

What's going on? They were in trouble from early this year as I had long haul flights booked and worried that we wouldn't get there.

linentowel · 15/09/2019 17:44

I’m going to Paris early a November. Not worried.

Original poster
ThomasCockItUp · 15/09/2019 17:46

I'm worried as if they go under I don't have the money to rebook flights without a full refund.

This is the first year we've ever been abke to go abroad and my son is 16!

OP posts:
drivingtofrance · 15/09/2019 17:47

It's okay I found it on another news source.

Not looking great but I'm no expert.

BarbaraofSeville · 15/09/2019 17:48

If they go bust, you might be able to get a refund via chargeback, but you won't be able to claim for the extra costs if new flights are more expensive.

If you have free cancellation available on your accommodation, it might be best to cancel it, get your flight refund and start again with booking a new holiday if you can't find reasonably priced replacement flights.

Also get a credit card and this sort of worry goes away.

BarbaraofSeville · 15/09/2019 17:50

Might = should.

If TC do go bust, keep an eye on moneysaving expert.

Chances are that they have an article explaining your rights and what to do in draft, ready to go within hours of them going bust.

WhoCaresWins01 · 15/09/2019 17:54

Have you got travel insurance? If so check to see if you are covered for airline failure.

Theimpossiblegirl · 15/09/2019 18:00

You will be covered by atol. You'll be advised hour to make a claim back through the caa. I've had to do this a few times when companies I've booked with folded, you'll get your money back.

Original poster
ThomasCockItUp · 15/09/2019 18:16

I've haven't booked travel insurance yet.

Shall I do it now? And make sure there is airline failure?

I hadn't booked insurance as its not for a year

OP posts:
ohnana · 15/09/2019 18:30

Thomas Cook Airlines is a separate business from Thomas Cook and is doing ok according to reports and the Civil Aviation Authority.

Roominmyhouse · 15/09/2019 18:35

Yes get travel insurance now! It doesn’t matter you aren’t going for a year, you should get insurance as soon as you book a trip. It covers so much more than just the bits while you are away!

gingercat02 · 15/09/2019 18:37

You have to have travel insurance when you book for it to be valid. Don't waste more money doing it now