BETTER PROTECTION NEEDED FOR E-BOOKERS AFTER GLOBESPAN

BETTER PROTECTION NEEDED FOR E-BOOKERS AFTER GLOBESPAN

Brian Adam, MSP for Aberdeen North has today called for better consumer protection for people who buy flights or accommodation for holidays abroad direct from the supplier.

Following the collapse of Fly Globespan Mr Adam was concerned to learn that people who purchased a flight or holiday which was not covered by the ATOL scheme or who did not purchase by credit card would not receive any compensation.

Mr Adam has lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament on this issue and has also written to Secretary of State for Transport Lord Adonis asking him to consider introducing legislation to improve consumer protection.

Mr Adam said:

“As people start to look toward booking holidays for this summer they will be wanting reassurance that if the firm they book with collapses, they will be provided with compensation or assistance in continuing their holiday and flying home.

“After watching the collapse of Fly Globespan it has become apparent there is an obvious gap in consumer protection. I believe that holiday makers should be protected however or wherever they purchase their vacation.

“The method in which flights and holidays are sold has moved on from when the ATOL scheme was first set up. The rise of the booking holidays direct over the internet and ‘Do It Yourself’ holidays has meant more people are booking with companies and airlines that are not covered by ATOL.

Mr Adam continued:

“I hope that Lord Adonis will look seriously at this situation and provide the reassurance to holiday makers before they book their summer holidays. No matter how someone books their summer holiday abroad there must be a scheme in place to help if the tour operator or airline fails.”