Overview

Thomas Cook Group, including the UK tour operator and airline, has ceased trading with immediate effect (announced approximately 2am 23/09/2019). All Thomas Cook bookings, including flights and holidays, have now been cancelled. There are currently more than 150,000 Thomas Cook customers abroad. This is almost twice the number that were repatriated following the failure of Monarch.

• Thomas Cook has ceased trading so all Thomas Cook flights are now cancelled

• Customers in the UK yet to travel must not go to the airport if their flight was due to be fulfilled by Thomas Cook

• UK Civil Aviation Authority to launch biggest ever peacetime repatriation

• Customers currently overseas should check thomascook.caa.co.uk for advice. Only go to the airport once they have an alternative flight confirmed.

• 24-hour helpline: 0300 303 2800 from the UK and Ireland and +44 1753 330 330 from overseas

FAQ’s

Q How do I know whether my flights / holiday have ATOL Protection?

A If you have ATOL Protection your documentation would have included an ATOL Certificate.

Q What is the ATOL protection certificate?

A When selling package holidays travel agents and tour operators must now give you a certificate explaining how your holidays are protected.

Q I am due to fly tomorrow/in the future with Thomas Cook, am I covered?

A The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) have advised any flight due to be operated by Thomas Cook will no
longer be flying. If you hold ATOL protection as part of your booking, then you will be covered by them for your unused trip.

PLEASE NOTE: Some of Thomas Cook’s package holiday bookings include flights with airlines unrelated to the Thomas Cook Group. If your return flight is not with Thomas Cook’s airline it may still be valid. However other elements of the package, such as accommodation and transfers might be affected

FAQ’s – If Abroad

Q I am abroad at the moment and scheduled to return to the UK with Thomas Cook, what should I do?

A If you are on a package holiday and due to return on or before 6th October 2019 then the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) will arrange your repatriation back to the UK. Further details can be found on the following link –

https://thomascook.caa.co.uk/customers/if-you-are-currently-abroad/
    
PLEASE NOTE: Some of Thomas Cook’s package holiday bookings include flights with airlines unrelated to the Thomas Cook Group. If your return flight is not with Thomas Cook’s airline it may still be valid. However other elements of the package, such as accommodation and transfers might be affected.

Q Will the customer return home on the same flight?

A For those customers who are ATOL protected historically the CAA has arranged new flights at no extra cost to the customer. Details of new flights should be published at least 48 hours in advance of the original departure time, so they should monitor the CAA website.

Q Will the customer still be able to stay in their accommodation?A Previously when tour operators have gone into liquidation, if the customer has ATOL Protection, the CAA have contacted accommodation providers to make arrangements for the customer to stay in their accommodation, on the same board basis for the duration of their holiday, at no extra cost to the customer.
If you are currently abroad on an ATOL protected package holiday with Thomas Cook or any company part of the Thomas Cook Group, the Civil Aviation Authority will seek to guarantee your stay directly with your hotel. If you are experiencing difficulties with your ATOL-protected hotel, or your hotel is requesting payment from you, please call our call centre on +44 1753 330 330. Please note that it may take the CAA a few days to secure these arrangements.
While arrangements are being made, please do not make a payment to your hotel unless instructed otherwise by the CAA team. If our guarantee is not accepted by the accommodation provider, we may need to relocate you to another hotel for the duration of your stay. In these circumstances, the CAA will inform other suppliers, such as transfers, of the change to your accommodation and flight details

So how to get hold of a quote on my own.

For those of you who are seasoned event organisers or stallholders it could not be simpler, just hop online. Many companies, including mine, give you online access to a full quote and buy system.

A few things worth checking beforehand though:

Getting the correct level of public liability cover can be difficult enough. Therefore, buying insurance for £millions can seem very strange but consider why you are buying it. For example public and employers liability covers bodily injury. This money may be used to provide care which could be needed for years.

Remember insurance contacts are “good faith” contracts so you need to set them up truthfully. You may need to answer some qualifying questions before you buy your policy. It is very important that you answer them correctly. If you are unsure then call your chosen provider before you buy .

Looking after your helpers is a legal requirement, this even includes volunteers. They all need to be covered under employers’ liability.

In some cases event organisers or site owners may say that they want a specific level of public liability. Some, councils for example, may ask you for £5m. It is worth checking before you buy because amending policies afterwards may incur a charge.

If you are selling something you will also need to consider product liability. In some cases this is set to the same value as your public liability. So please check the policy wording or call your broker or insurer.

There are other covers that may be available to cover stock and property. You may also want protection against cancellation. Many additional covers are available on the online quote and buy options. But if you have thought of one that isn’t there just give us a call.

Online purchase means you should get all your documents almost instantly. However, before you put them in your bag ready for your event, please take time to check they are correct. It is far better to change mistakes before the event.

Once you have chosen your provider. Selected the level of cover you need. Answered all the questions and paid the premium. The only thing left to do is focus on making the most of your event or stall.

Now I have it all under control!

Good luck!