XL goes pop

The collapse of XL Leisure Group has disrupted the plans of 85,000 holiday-makers already abroad, and has meant the cancellation of 200,000 advance holiday bookings.

The company, one of the UK's biggest tour operators, blamed its insolvency on "funding and cash flow issues".

In other words, it has run out of cash.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), using its ATOL scheme, has swung into operation to make sure everyone abroad gets home with as little disruption as possible.

But not all customers are in the same position.

What if I'm stuck abroad?

People on package holidays abroad who booked through the XL group's UK businesses, including those who booked a flight with its Freedom Flights operation, will be flown home at no extra cost by the CAA once it has made the arrangements.

If you booked a package tour or flight with another tour company which had planned to use an XL flight then that operator will also make alternative arrangements for you.

About 10,000 people who bought flight tickets on an XL plane either through the website www.xl.com or through a travel agent and are currently abroad are not formally covered by the ATOL scheme.

But the CAA says it will arrange to bring you home anyway, though you will be charged the cost price of the flight.

If you do not like that idea, you can make your own arrangements, at your own cost.

I have not flown abroad yet - what about me?

Do not go to the airport. Your holiday has been cancelled.
BBC

As I understand it, if you're due to travel on a package tour with another tour company on an Excel flight, your holiday shouldn't be affected, a different airline will be arranged, departure details will remain unchanged. Check with your travel agent or tour company.




More info on xl.com