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StumbleUponCAA Sets up XL Helpline
The Civil aviation Authority has set up emergency helplines for holidaymakers affected by XL Leisure Group’s failure. For customers abroad the number is: +44 (0) 2891 856547. For those in the UK with advance bookings, the number is: 0870 5900927.
The CAA is working with the group’s administrator, Kroll, major tour operators, including Thomson, First Choice, Thomas Cook and Virgin Holidays, and airlines to ensure that UK customers currently abroad are taken care of. Arrangements will be made to pay hotels and in-resort staff to ensure that holidaymakers that booked with XLUK tour operators can complete their holidays and fly home, according to the authority.
“Since XL Airways is no longer operating, flights to bring people home will be made with other airlines. The CAA plans to operate these flights as close as possible to the original schedule and we ask customers to be patient while these arrangements are being made,” the CAA said.
CAA consumer protection group director Richard Jackson said: “This is a huge undertaking and we are working closely with the travel industry to protect and bring home the customers of the failed tour operators.”
For passengers abroad, the CAA said: “If you booked a package holiday with an XLUK tour operator or a flight with Freedom Flights then the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL scheme covers you and you will be flown home without needing to pay any money.
“If you booked a package holiday or flight through another tour operator and were travelling on an XL flight then the tour operator covers you and you should be flown home without needing to pay any money. Please contact your tour operator.
“If you bought only a flight from XL Airways through xl.com or a travel agent, even though you are not covered by the Civil Aviation Authority’s ATOL Scheme, the CAA will endeavour to bring you home with the minimum of delay.
“However, there will be a fee to cover the cost. You are not obliged to use the CAA arrangements.”
For passenger yet to travel, the CAA said: “All future XLUK tour operator holidays are now cancelled and people with advance holiday bookings will not be able to travel. Outbound customers are advised not to go to their departure airport. Customers who booked with tour operators will be able to claim a full refund from ATOL. Information on how to claim is available on the CAA website (www.atol.org.uk).”
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This entry was posted on Friday, September 12th, 2008 at 11:12 am and is filed under Airlines, Travel News .You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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