Airline Flybe has announced that they have entered administration. All flights have been grounded and the UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect.
This will be a cause for concern for those booked to travel with the airline, both as a standalone purchase, as well as those who have booked flights as part of a travel package.
Flybe has advised that consumers who have flights booked should not travel to the airports unless an alternative flight has been arranged with another airline. Flybe are unable to arrange alternative flights for passengers.
Those who have flights booked with Flybe directly
Credit Card – Anything on a credit card in excess of £100, may be eligible for a refund from the credit card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Anything paid on credit or debit card can be attempted to be reclaimed through the bank.
Credit card under £100 or Debit Card – Claims may be possible through the chargeback scheme via bank accounts. The bank should be contacted directly to see if this is possible.
Travel Insurance – Some travel insurance policies may cover for flight cancellation. Those who cannot claim by the means above can check with their travel insurance provider to check if they are covered through their policy for airline administration.
Failing these other methods, consumers are advised to check with their travel insurance provider to see if they are covered and failing this, a claim should be made directly to the administrators (details below). However, this may take some time to be processed considering the number of creditors requesting financial reparations at the same time.
The administrators EY have been appointed. Suppliers and creditors of the company (including passengers who have paid for travel, but are unable to claim by other means) can obtain further details in relation to the Administration, by contacting the Administrators’ office on 0207 951 7801 or by emailing flybesuppliers@uk.ey.com.
Those who have booked a package holiday with a third party (Flybe are the airline)
Flybe does not offer package holidays. Whilst there was a section on their website for booking hotels separately, this does not constitute the booking of a package holiday with Flybe.
If a package holiday has been booked with a third party and Flybe flights are part of this, and the package is ATOL protected, then consumers are covered by the ATOL scheme.
This scenario could potentially mean increased costs for a change of flights. However, consumers should discuss this directly with the company that they booked this through, as alternative arrangements may already be in place.
For those who have Flybe flights booked
In similar circumstances, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stepped in and repatriated consumers who had been stranded as a result of flights being cancelled. The CAA is currently unable to comment on specific details in relation to the Flybe administration.
Customers are advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority website for more information (www.caa.co.uk).
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