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1 month ago
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Jetline Travel, a London-based travel firm, has collapsed, leaving nearly 5,000 holidaymakers in the lurch.
The company, which traded under various names including Jetline Cruise and Bargain Late Holidays, is no longer an ATOL holder, as confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Customers who had planned to set sail with Princess Cruises, Cunard, and Holland America are now facing cancellations due to a "breach of contract" between Jetline and the cruise lines.
The CAA has issued guidance for those affected: "If you are currently overseas and you hold a scheduled flight e-ticket, the flight remains valid for the return journey. You are advised to check in with the airline as per the existing flight ticket."
However, they've cautioned that while flights should still be honoured, other aspects of the package, such as hotels and transfers, might not be secured.
The CAA further stated: "Other services have not been paid to the local suppliers and you will be required to re-arrange and pay for these services again."
For travellers who booked cruises or accommodation without flights, there's even more uncertainty, as these are not ATOL protected, leaving them to reach out to service providers directly, reports the Express.
There might be a silver lining for some. The company also served as an agent for other ATOL-protected operators, so customers with an ATOL certificate listing another firm could still be covered.
The CAA has advised affected travellers to check their documents, stating: "Check your ATOL Certificate under the 'Who is protecting your trip?' section."
"This will show who the responsible ATOL holder is. If the protector of your trip is still trading, you should contact that ATOL holder for further assistance."
Frustration is mounting among customers, with reports of difficulties in contacting Jetline. One customer lamented online: "Our holiday including cruise, flights and hotels appears to have gone. Totally unable to contact Jetline."
Another traveller recounted being given just 48 hours to re-pay for their holiday or face cancellation.
The Advantage Travel Partnership, which represents Jetline, expressed their regret in a statement: "We are greatly saddened that Jetline Travel has ceased trading."
They continued: "They have been a highly valued member of the Partnership since 2015, and our thoughts are with their customers and staff who have been impacted."
There's some reassurance for passengers who booked through P&O Cruises, as their bookings have been transferred directly to the cruise line. Meanwhile, the CAA is collating information from Jetline and will update on how customers can claim in due course.
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