Agent reassures Thomas Cook customers

Shropshire holidaymakers have been left in a state of panic with news of the Thomas Cook collapse which has seen the biggest peacetime repatriation in UK history.

But Shrewsbury’s Peakes Travel Elite has been on hand to reassure customers and advise on the procedures that need to happen.

Claire Moore, managing director at Peakes Travel Elite, said: “Despite the worrying reports in the press, Thomas Cook customers haven’t been left stranded overseas.

"The UK has one of the best levels of consumer protection for travellers. The CAA will arrange for these customers to complete their holiday as planned and will arrange for an airline to bring them back to the UK. The government has also pledged to bring home flight-only customers due to return in the next fortnight, even if they are not ATOL protected.

"If you have a flight-only booking beyond a fortnight, and don’t have an ATOL certificate for your trip, you may still be protected by your credit card company or travel agent.

“Many travel agents, such as ours, will have in place contingency plans to contact customers and provide updates on their bookings in situations like this, so they can be reassured throughout the process.

“For customers who have future holidays with Thomas Cook booked, they will be financially protected under the ATOL scheme. They will just need a copy of their ATOL certificate to claim a refund.

“Travel agents like Peakes Travel Elite will assist customers with finding a replacement holiday and look after them throughout the re-booking process. If you have booked online, you will be contacted by the CAA and advised how to claim.

“I hope this guidance reassures holidaymakers and shows that by booking your holiday through a travel agent, you can rest assured that your holiday will be in safe hands.”

Claire Moore has just been crowned Agent of the Year for touring and adventure travel at the 2019 ATAS Awards. The travel agency was also crowned the UK & Ireland's No. 1 Travel Agency by industry bible - the Travel Trade Gazette - earlier this year, which recognised their exceptional customer service.