If Thomas Cook sells its airline, what would happen to the flights you’ve booked?
THE Thomas Cook Group is looking at selling its airline amid fears that the travel company might collapse.
But while the company has assured customers that it's "not going bust", what would happen to your booked flights if the airline is sold?
Is Thomas Cook struggling?
The UK's oldest travel company is struggling with massive debts and has seen its value plummet from £2.2bn to £180m in one year.
Last Thursday, the firm issued a fresh profit warning and reported a half-year loss of almost £1.5bn after a goodwill write-off of £1.1bn, reports
Analysts at investment bank Citigroup branded their shares "worthless" and said they should be marked at zero, causing the value of its shares to plummet.
The company was forced to reassure holidaymakers that the firm will not go bust and that their holidays are safe.
However, after a brief uplift, their share prices dropped again after credit rating agencies Fitch and S&P downgraded the firm.
The firm is now said to have received a bid from private equity group Triton for its Nordic operations.
Thomas Cook, which served 22 million customers last year, has debts of around £1.25bn.
It also said that there have been several bids for all or bits of its business.
The company has closed 21 of its stores and its currency arm Thomas Cook Money is under review, plus there are more "cost efficiencies" planned.
More of its 566 stores will close when leases end and 150 jobs are being cut from head office.
The operator, which is led by German chief executive Peter Frankhauser, told The Sun: "We have ample resources to operate our business and at the same time, as usual, our liquidity position continues to strengthen into the summer period.
"As an ATOL-protected business, all of our holidays are protected under the package travel directive, so our customers can have complete confidence in booking their holiday with us.
"We’re looking forward to the summer season with 20 new own-brand hotels openings and some great offers for customers."
What if I have the holiday and flights booked?
The good news is that holidaymakers will not be left out of pocket if the firm sells, splits or closes.
That's because Thomas Cook holidays are ATOL protected.
By law, every UK travel company which sells package holidays and flights is required to hold an ATOL, which stands for Air Travel Organiser’s Licence.
UK travel companies which sell package holidays and flights have to ATOL protect them.
This means customers who have booked holidays with the firm are protected and can’t get stranded abroad or be left out of pocket.
If a travel company with an ATOL ceases trading, the scheme protects customers who had booked holidays with the firm - making sure they don't get stranded abroad or end up out of pocket.
But what would happen if Thomas Cook or part of the business was sold?
Martyn James from Resover said: "When you book a holiday you enter in to a contract - so if another business takes over then your holiday transfers over to the new owners and you shouldn't experience any problems.
"However it pays to know your rights if a mistake or problem occurs."If the firm changes something about the holiday significantly (like the dates, hotel, flights) then you should be able to cancel without penalty - though I'd expect them to come up with a suitable alternative."
He adds: "However, always take out a good travel insurance policy - and make sure it begins from the moment you book, so you're covered if you can't travel for any reason."
A Thomas Cook Airlines spokeswoman told Sun Online Travel: “Our operation continues as planned and scheduled flights will not change, even in the event of a new owner. It’s business as usual.”
What are my rights if the company goes bust?
In the unfortunate event of Thomas Cook going bust, here are some helpful tips on what you should do and what your rights are.
It’s important to keep all your booking information and make a record of your correspondence.
Before the holiday:
If you're yet to travel, your first action should be to contact the travel company to make sure that your booking is in place.
Since Thomas Cook is ATOL protected, any customer will be entitled to a full refund or replacement holiday should the travel firm collapse before the scheduled departure time.
First, contact Thomas Cook's tour operator or agent, your accommodation provider and your flight airline.
If you booked through a travel agent and your tour operator goes out of business, contact your agent for assistance.
If you have made a booking with Thomas Cook and it has gone out of business, you may be able to .
However, some holidaymakers could be caught out if they have booked on Thomas Cook’s airline, which is separate from the travel firm, and sells flight-only trips, some of which are not ATOL protected.
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During the holiday:
If the travel agent you booked with goes out of business during your holiday, this shouldn’t affect your travel arrangements, suggests.
However, keep all your booking information and documents for your records.
Thomas Cook is also an ABTA member, ABTA Travel Association assists holidaymakers when things do not go according to plan.
The require organisers of package holidays to provide protection for your money and to bring you home if necessary.
Sun Online Travel has contacted Thomas Cook for additional comment.
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