As BMI Baby closes, the emphasis is on consumers to ensure they know their rights when they book package holidays and flights.
While everyone will have some degree of protection, it’s important to know exactly how you are covered, particularly in case something goes wrong such as the company closing its doors. Here we look at the different levels of protection.
From package holidays to bust-ups
The rights you have relating to a holiday booking usually depend on the type of holiday you book. For example, if you book a package holiday then you are protected by the Package Holiday and Travel Trade Act of 1995. So, for example, if the operator contacts you before you travel to state that the price has been altered or the accommodation is not available then you should be entitled to a replacement package of either superior or equivalent quality; or a lower grade package with a recovery of the price difference between the two; or a full refund.
Meanwhile, if you opt for a dynamic holiday – meaning you select your own holiday components – then your contract is with the individual provider: i.e. the airline or the hotel. As such it is not covered by the Package Holidays and Travel Trade Act and so you won’t have the protection outlined above. This means it’s all the more important to take out travel insurance because, for example, if a flight were cancelled due to adverse conditions or if an airline went bust, then you could lose the money you had paid for your accommodation.
Another option of course, is to book a flight directly with an airline or online flight-booking agent. However, again your contract will be with the airline and so there is no package holiday protection. This means that if the airline goes bust you may have to seek a chargeback from the credit-issuing bank in order to get a refund.
Great deals on holidays
While you should be cautious and ensure you are suitably protected when booking a holiday, it shouldn’t stop you looking for bargains – and there are some fantastic holiday and travel voucher codes available at Moneysaver.ie.
Among the leading travel companies currently offering bargain deals are: Lowcostholidays.com, which is offering £15 off bookings for a minimum of four nights for two adults; while Apex Hotels has a voucher code offering a free room upgrade when booking at any of its hotels. Meanwhile, you could get 25 per cent off a stay in Brno Palace, among other discounts with Barcelo.com.