Overview
Thomas Cook Group, including the UK tour operator and airline, has ceased trading with immediate effect (announced approximately 2am 23/09/2019). All Thomas Cook bookings, including flights and holidays, have now been cancelled. There are currently more than 150,000 Thomas Cook customers abroad, almost twice the number that were repatriated following the failure of Monarch.
• Thomas Cook has ceased trading so all Thomas Cook flights are now cancelled
• Customers in the UK yet to travel must not go to the airport if their flight was due to be fulfilled by Thomas Cook
• UK Civil Aviation Authority to launch biggest ever peacetime repatriation
• Customers currently overseas should check thomascook.caa.co.uk
for advice and only go to the airport
once they have an alternative flight confirmed
• 24-hour helpline: 0300 303 2800 from the UK and Ireland and +44 1753 330 330 from overseas
The following cover may be available:
SunWorld policies issued on or after 18/4/2019
• Under the Delay or disruption to travel plans section of the
policy; there is cover for reasonable additional
accommodation and public transport travel expenses (up to the standard of the
original booking) so the customer can continue their trip if it is disrupted
due to the insolvency of a transport provider.
SunWorld policies issued before 18/4/2019 and all broker policies purchased on-line (Quote & Buy)
• Travel disruption if purchased, if the customer has booked
their accommodation through Thomas Cook, but
not their transport, then cover is provided for the unused accommodation and
pre-paid charges.
FAQ’s
Q How do I know whether my flights / holiday have ATOL Protection?
A If you have ATOL Protection your documentation would have included an ATOL Certificate
Q What is the ATOL protection certificate?
A When selling package holidays travel agents and tour operators must now give you a certificate explaining how your holidays are protected.
Q I am due to fly tomorrow/in the future with Thomas Cook, am I covered?
A The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) have advised any flight due
to be operated by Thomas Cook will no
longer be flying. If you hold ATOL protection as part of your booking, then you
will be covered by them for your unused trip.
PLEASE NOTE:
Some of Thomas Cook’s package holiday bookings include flights with airlines
unrelated to the Thomas Cook Group. If your return flight is not with Thomas
Cook’s airline it may still be valid. However other elements of the package,
such as accommodation and transfers might be affected
Q I am abroad at the moment and scheduled to return to the UK with Thomas Cook, what should I do?
A If you are on a package holiday and due to return on or before 6th October 2019 then the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) will arrange your repatriation back to the UK. Further details can be found on the following link –
https://thomascook.caa.co.uk/customers/if-you-are-currently-abroad/
PLEASE NOTE:
Some of Thomas Cook’s package holiday bookings include flights with airlines
unrelated to the Thomas Cook Group. If your return flight is not with Thomas
Cook’s airline it may still be valid. However other elements of the package,
such as accommodation and transfers might be affected.
Q Will the customer return home on the same flight?
A For those customers who are ATOL protected historically the CAA has arranged new flights at no extra cost to the customer. Details of new flights should be published at least 48 hours in advance of the original departure time, so they should monitor the CAA website.
Q Will the customer still be able to stay in their accommodation?
A Previously when tour operators have gone into liquidation, if
the customer has ATOL Protection, the CAA have contacted accommodation
providers to make arrangements for the customer to stay in their accommodation,
on the same board basis for the duration of their holiday, at no extra cost to
the customer.
If you are currently abroad on an ATOL protected package holiday with Thomas
Cook or any company part of the Thomas Cook Group, the Civil Aviation Authority
will seek to guarantee your stay directly with your hotel. If you are
experiencing difficulties with your ATOL-protected hotel, or your hotel is
requesting payment from you, please call our call centre on +44 1753 330 330.
Please note that it may take the CAA a few days to secure these arrangements.
While arrangements are being made, please do not make a payment to your hotel
unless instructed otherwise by the CAA team. If our guarantee is not accepted
by the accommodation provider, we may need to relocate you to another hotel for
the duration of your stay. In these circumstances, the CAA will inform other
suppliers, such as transfers, of the change to your accommodation and flight
details