XL/Travek City file for administration

[_tinkerbell_]

Just on the news now and the link is here.
Sorry to everyone affected :sad2:

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/leisure/article4735790.ece

[Netty]

Breaking news tonight, XL have gone into administration..

[Netty]

Just on the news now and the link is here.
Sorry to everyone affected :sad2:

http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/industry_sectors/leisure/article4735790.ece

you beat me to it !

[SammieG]

oh my goodness! Im shocked.......

[Vana]

Oh this is bad, I hope nobody is affected by this :sad1:

[_tinkerbell_]

you beat me to it !

By just a few minutes :rotfl: It was close!

I just can't believe it though. I have a friend booked with them for the 20th (a week saturday! :sad1: ) Thought I'd leave it till the morning to let her know or she wont get any sleep.

[shrek1]

TCD forum and website gone......

we are due to fly out with them for our first florida trip oon just 32 days........ DD's birthday today - just how do i tell her?

[tubtruck]

Hope everyone paid with a credit card.
If its a holiday and not just flights ABTA would also be a way of getting your money back

[~Fisharefriends~]

ive just seen it on the news, I hope too many people havent been affected and those that have have insurance have paid with a credit card.

[mushumadness]

god thats awfull

good look to everyone whos got to deal with this and get their money back

on the news they are saying they were still taking bookings till midnight last night

[neilsalop]

TCD forum and website gone......

we are due to fly out with them for our first florida trip oon just 32 days........ DD's birthday today - just how do i tell her?

We're due to go in 90 days, paid for with multiple debit cards, we also (should) fly out on DDs b/day:sad1: :grouphug:

[~Fisharefriends~]

look slike flights werent allowed to leave orlando so quite a few people are stranded out there as well :confused3
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7611639.stm

shrek and neilsalop Im so sorry to hear you are affected :hug: i hope you are able to sort something out.

[shackfan]

OH BU***R:sad2: :sad2: We were due to go Jan 1st with Travel City Direct. I guess we arent going anywhere now. This WILL effect a LOT of people. That is the end of cheap holidays to Orlando.:eek:

[natalielongstaff]

Oh how awful, my heart goes out to all those affected ! i am totally shocked :confused3

[PudseyChancer]

Absolute nightmare for those already over there, I'm just astonished that there's been no advance warning. We've just booked with TCD for next year so we're going to have to pursue our refund, luckily booked on a credit card.

Really disappointed for TCD, they've had some brilliant comments about how they'd turned round their customer service, I feel sorry for all their staff this morning, as well as those who've lost out on their holidays.

[Pinky166]

Big hugs to all of you who have booked through them. I hope you manage to get your money back and are able to rebook. :grouphug: pixiedust:

[junior27]

Our thoughts are with everyone who is affected by this horrible announcement. Hopefully most people will be able to sort something out.

John & Linley

[Dimplenose]

I'm just astonished that there's been no advance warning.

It was on the news at the end of August that XL were having financial troubles.

[UKDEB]

This is truly shocking. That such a big operator was not able to secure funding to continue trading doesn't bode well for the industry and I'm sure we'll see more travel companies going under in the coming months.

I feel desperately sorry for those who were due to fly with XL in the next few days and weeks, and for all its employees.

[PudseyChancer]

It was on the news at the end of August that XL were having financial troubles.

Yes, like the rest of the travel industry, they also said they weren't flying to certain destinationsa while back, but there's a world of difference between not flying to destinations and not existing as a company any more.

I was thinking more along the lines of traveller's actually turning up at Airports this morning expecting to fly, and being met by administrators rather than XL staff.

[Dimplenose]

I was thinking more along the lines of traveller's actually turning up at Airports this morning expecting to fly, and being met by administrators rather than XL staff.

Yes, I feel really sorry for them and their children. It's not so much getting your money back as going on a long awaited holiday.

[Nubbedy]

Devestating news. We had just booked with them for Aug 09, but paid on debit card. :confused3 It's terrible for all their staff, and for the many people due to fly out soon.

Sara. :)

[Snowy-girls]

To everyone affected on here i am so sorry+i hope you can get something sorted.
What a shock-also feel sorry for the employee's.x.

[bob6sims]

Such sad sad news :sad2:

our thoughts are will everyone affected by this :flower3:

[tony64]

So sorry for all of you affected by this. I hope you all manage to make alternative arrangements.
We have flown with them several times and will miss them. I wonder how much longer we will be able to find cheap options to get to Florida.:sad1:

[bazzanoid]

So sorry for all of you affected by this. I hope you all manage to make alternative arrangements.
We have flown with them several times and will miss them. I wonder how much longer we will be able to find cheap options to get to Florida.:sad1:

I said exactly the same to DW this morning when I heard the news - the other 'budget' operators (thomas cook, first choice etc) will use this as an excuse to push their prices up by at least 10-15% for next year's new bookings to "protect the traveller" against under-priced flights and their airlines collapsing :sad2:

It may have a knock-on effect with BA and Virgin, they may not be as keen to put their orlando flights in their sales when they have them, since their nearest competition (besides each other) is no longer operating.

Pixie dust to all affected, hopefully those with holidays more than a few weeks away will get alternate flights/packages and those going sooner will be offered something by ATOL/ABTA to protect their trips :wizard:

[tony64]

There web site has been changed to an administrator page with "what to do now details."
www.xl.com/

Hope you all manage to get sorted.:hug:

[whitfields]

Gutted...for all concerned..was going to book with them next year...what about Disney how does that affect them!!

where is it going to end

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

I'm so sorry to everyone affected,this is terrible news.
I know there was advance warning (with them having difficulties) but many forums was saying they'd find funding so on,so many people felt slightly reassured in still booking.
Sadly this isnt now the case,I am sorry and I hope those affected get back there money so they can rebook.:grouphug: :sad2:

[meryll83]

That's awful.
We nearly booked with them for our wedding trip next year, but decided to pay a bit extra and go with Virgin, as we've been with them previously and were happier this way. Maybe gut instinct!
I feel so bad for those who ares still unaware and will turn up at the airport :sad1:

[fatdave42]

MagicGirl, my mum is out there at the moment. She is due to move to the wilderness lodge on Monday, I hope that this is OK.

[Chilly]

I hope everyone booked with them gets their money back and can re-book :hug:

[UKDEB]

Sanford Airport's website has a tiny scrolling banner telling XL customers not to come to the airport.

[Jets fan]

My thoughts are with all of you who have bookings with them. I know I would be devestated. Two days ago I received a brochure from them with amazing deals in and now they're gone. It's unbelievable and I, like others feel that this will certainly make Orlando a more expensive destination to fly to.

We have only flown TCD once and I would have recommended them to anyone. What airline/holiday company is next - I wonder?

Truly very, very sad :sad: :sad: :sad:

[AcombDave]

We booked last Sunday through TCD to go next August (8 of us daughters and grand children) 400 plus pounds deposit (debit card). Hopefully we will get that back but I am not worried about that at this stage, firstly staff have lost there jobs and that is the biggest tragedy followed closely by people who are stranded at airports today - not flying on their dream hols - and those who are due to travel in the next few weeks must be frantic with worry as to what is going to happen. Those already in Florida will obviously have their hols ruined with the worry of getting home and the additional expence.

But selfishly for all of us - without a doubt this is going to mean that the prices of holidays to Florida are going to rocket - less seats available and other companies will not want to take the risks now that they have had the warning of what has happened to XL.

I personally feel that this will push prices up yy as much as 50 percent next year. Perhaps Florida holidays will soon be out of reach for many travellers from the UK now as the prices soar.

Good Luck to all those who are due to fly in the coming days / weeks.

[raph_b]

Shocking news - and I feel so bad for anyone that booked with TCD.

If XL really were trading until midnight last night then it sounds like wrongful trading, which is a criminal breach of the Insolvency rules.

If any director of XL knew or should have known that the company could not avoid becoming insolvent but still continues to trade its wrongful trading.

[UKDEB]

It sounds as though they were trying to negotiate a rescue package right up until the last minute. In those circumstances they would have had little option but to continue trading otherwise it would have become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

[raph_b]

It sounds as though they were trying to negotiate a rescue package right up until the last minute. In those circumstances they would have had little option but to continue trading otherwise it would have become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Very true :thumbsup2

[BRobson]

What awful news - hope everyone who has booked can get their monies back and rebook :hug:

It must be horrible for anyone in Orlando at the moment too :hug:

This is not good for the travel industry and with pricing already high for next year, it is not looking good!!!!!

[DCLMan]

Bang goes my holiday. I think it's supposed to in 29 days. Atol website has crashed, virgin only have premium economy at 3500 quid flight only and i have on idea how much money i will get back. Both kids went to school very upset. Now trying to find flights and a hotel/villa/tent. I'm so angry and disappointented.

[CustardTart]

Oh guys I'm so sorry! I really hope those of you affected can sort something out and anyone stranded gets home safely...

Travelled with XL to Barbados in March and we were really impressed... :sad2:

[dc1964]

We have booked with Ba for 29th December but son was joining us with 3 of our friends on 2nd january using TCD. I am sure we willbe refunded as they are ATOL protected.
Also just realised that my flight to Gran Canaria in 2 weeks is with freedom flights so looks like lost that as well.Never mind no one has died, at least we still have a job.

[BRobson]

Bang goes my holiday. I think it's supposed to in 29 days. Atol website has crashed, virgin only have premium economy at 3500 quid flight only and i have on idea how much money i will get back. Both kids went to school very upset. Now trying to find flights and a hotel/villa/tent. I'm so angry and disappointented.

Hope you can get something sorted :hug:

[Cinderella2006]

I had heard about the financial problems but i did not expect this. It is very frightening to think that such a big well known company has one into administration and no doubt there will be others.

I am sure that there are going to be many more families on here affected by this. I am so sorry and i hope you can get something sorted, there is nothing worse than trying to explain what is happening to young children who have been talking about the holiday for months :grouphug:

[disneyholic family]

i'm so sorry for anyone who is caught by this..
how awful...:sad2:

[fatdave42]

Never mind no one has died, at least we still have a job.

That is the spirit.

[Dr_Finkelstein]

We were due to fly from Glasgow to Sanford on MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!! Cannot get through via phone, ATOL website keeps crashing - don't have a clue whats happening,
We will get our money back (friends booked their holiday through Seguro so they went through all this yesterday).
But the fact is we were so looking forward to this holiday - waited for 2 years, had all our ADRs booked through free dining.
Absolutely gutted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[The Fetherstons]

We were due to fly from Glasgow to Sanford on MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!! Cannot get through via phone, ATOL website keeps crashing - don't have a clue whats happening,
We will get our money back (friends booked their holiday through Seguro so they went through all this yesterday).
But the fact is we were so looking forward to this holiday - waited for 2 years, had all our ADRs booked through free dining.
Absolutely gutted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh how awful:sad2: Sending you:hug: :wizard:

This is so sad I feel for everyone who has booked with them and also the people who are already in resort also for the TCD staff:sad1:

[Elise79]

Just seen on BBC News Channel - Simon Cauder was on he was saying that are on package holidays at the moment will continue as normal as reps and hotels will be paid and CAA are organising flights home. So hopefully everyone on holiday at the moment will have a good time still :goodvibes

All those that booked I hope you managed to get something else sorted. If you booked a 'pakage holiday' or flight only by credit card or visa debit you should get your money back and I hope you can find something else reasonably priced :goodvibes

Also thoughts to people who have lost there jobs :goodvibes

[Sweet Pea UK]

I cant' imagine how those of you who had imminent holidays must be feeling. My thoughts are with you all :grouphug:

[Goofyish]

This iawful news for anyone who has booked with XL and those already on holiday and stranded :sad2:

I really hope all those involved can get there money back and can re-book with someone else.

[JohnnySharp2]

It's getting more worrying isn't it, who is going to be next?

[Goofyish]

We were due to fly from Glasgow to Sanford on MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!! Cannot get through via phone, ATOL website keeps crashing - don't have a clue whats happening,
We will get our money back (friends booked their holiday through Seguro so they went through all this yesterday).
But the fact is we were so looking forward to this holiday - waited for 2 years, had all our ADRs booked through free dining.
Absolutely gutted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


:grouphug:

[raph_b]

We were due to fly from Glasgow to Sanford on MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!! Cannot get through via phone, ATOL website keeps crashing - don't have a clue whats happening,
We will get our money back (friends booked their holiday through Seguro so they went through all this yesterday).
But the fact is we were so looking forward to this holiday - waited for 2 years, had all our ADRs booked through free dining.
Absolutely gutted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Really sorry to hear that :(

:grouphug:

[Mrs Doubtfire]

Bang goes my holiday. I think it's supposed to in 29 days. Atol website has crashed, virgin only have premium economy at 3500 quid flight only and i have on idea how much money i will get back. Both kids went to school very upset. Now trying to find flights and a hotel/villa/tent. I'm so angry and disappointented.

How terrible :grouphug:

Hope you & everyone else affected can get something sorted.

[MandyJ72]

Feel for everyone caught up in this - employees, contractors, people on holiday, about to go, long term plans etc etc - total nightmare & headache for everyone.

Hope everyone gets their money back / new bookings / new jobs etc etc

:grouphug:

[Hilary]

:grouphug: to anyone affected by this - employees and customers alike :(

[wildwood]

My Uncle was due to fly to my villa with travel city on the 18th luckly this morning I manged to get him virgin flights for the 17th at £420.00 I was sure they would be double that price so he was very happy , I hope everyone effected get a flight ok and you all get your money back sending all invloved some pixie dust :wizard: and hugs :hug:

[Lesley_Perschky]

Unfortunatly if you booked flights only through XL.com on the phone they are not protected. They TUI group are trying to help people get home.

[Netty]

This is such a nightmare, lets hope everyone affected gets their money back and gets a holiday.
Virgin Atlantic were doing discounted fares for Zoom customers on the website, I hope they now try to help XL-TCD as well.

[Jets fan]

Am listening to the Chairman's interview on the TV and one thing that really makes me mad is that operations in France and Germany will not be affected, I don't understand this at all.

[Mumofthebride]

4 of our Guests for our daughters Disney Wedding on the 22nd September are booked with TCD. Including the Maid of Honour. They were due to fly out in 7 days.....don't know what will happen now.:confused3

Truely gutted at the moment

16 of us fly out on Sunday with Virgin and the others are due out various days following.

Kim

[stoneyloon]

My thoughts go out to all who are affected by this. :sad2:



But selfishly for all of us - without a doubt this is going to mean that the prices of holidays to Florida are going to rocket - less seats available and other companies will not want to take the risks now that they have had the warning of what has happened to XL.

I can't agree with that, some budget companies are still making good profits and will continue to do so. I think they will see this as an opportunity.

[crmscotland]

We were due to fly from Glasgow to Sanford on MONDAY!!!!!!!!!!! Cannot get through via phone, ATOL website keeps crashing - don't have a clue whats happening,
We will get our money back (friends booked their holiday through Seguro so they went through all this yesterday).
But the fact is we were so looking forward to this holiday - waited for 2 years, had all our ADRs booked through free dining.
Absolutely gutted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4 of our Guests for our daughters Disney Wedding on the 22nd September are booked with TCD. Including the Maid of Honour. They were due to fly out in 7 days.....don't know what will happen now.:confused3

Truely gutted at the moment

16 of us fly out on Sunday with Virgin and the others are due out various days following.

Kim

Really feel for you both and others too with trips soon. :grouphug:

[Elise79]

Am listening to the Chairman's interview on the TV and one thing that really makes me mad is that operations in France and Germany will not be affected, I don't understand this at all.

Unfortunatly they are probably seperate companies and just because one company in a group goes doesn't mean the other have to but it doesn't seem right but thats business :sad2:

:grouphug: to all affected and to those poor people who thought they were flying back from Sanford to Manchester and have now been diverted to Paris. With the Channel tunnel closed I wouldn't dancy trying to get back from there today :scared:

[Claire L]

4 of our Guests for our daughters Disney Wedding on the 22nd September are booked with TCD. Including the Maid of Honour. They were due to fly out in 7 days.....don't know what will happen now.:confused3

Truely gutted at the moment

16 of us fly out on Sunday with Virgin and the others are due out various days following.

Kim

Kim,
If you read this have sent you an email :)


Also hoping everyone else manages to sort something suitable.

Claire ;)

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Hi Grumpy here

I keep trying to remind myself that its not the worst thing that can happen and that its not like Disney are out of business but when you save for 2 years, make plans, book stuff you have always wanted to do......................and then you wake up to hear those plans are in tatters a mere 3 days before you go.......well its just horrible.

I may well be posting several rambling upset messages over the next few hours :sad1:

[Cinderella2006]

Hi Grumpy here

I keep trying to remind myself that its not the worst thing that can happen and that its not like Disney are out of business but when you save for 2 years, make plans, book stuff you have always wanted to do......................and then you wake up to hear those plans are in tatters a mere 3 days before you go.......well its just horrible.

I may well be posting several rambling upset messages over the next few hours :sad1:

Cant imagine how you are feeling, very upsetting, especially when you have little ones :hug:

[karengr]

OMG:hug: :hug:

[BRobson]

Hi Grumpy here

I keep trying to remind myself that its not the worst thing that can happen and that its not like Disney are out of business but when you save for 2 years, make plans, book stuff you have always wanted to do......................and then you wake up to hear those plans are in tatters a mere 3 days before you go.......well its just horrible.

I may well be posting several rambling upset messages over the next few hours :sad1:


Grumble away - that is what we are here for :hug: Is it possible for you to try rebook ?

[taqlbotsteve]

My heart goes out to all those families with young children who have waited years for this but now it won't happen. What infuriates me most is i phoned only 2 weeks ago to confirm the position and was told that they had no real issues and had decided to stop the barbados flights to help cut costs.
Luckily for us we only booked our park tickets with them on our VISA DEBIT card, unfortunately my bank tells me that visa debit cards are not protected only the credit cards, so i am unable to get my park ticket money back, which for a family of 8 means finding over £2000 for our holiday!!!!!:confused3
But who do you blame?????

At least its only park tickets, i really do feel for all those who are in limbo, especially the children.:sad:

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Got through to the CAA and the woman said that we should contact Glasgow Airport as they had CAA staff re-booking pending holidays right now and we would still get to go..................seems that was just a load of BS as Glasgow had no clue about this!! Priority I imagine is getting folk back, understandably so. We should get our money back so hopefully we will re-book at some point this year but the dreams are hold at present.

:sad:

[andrewilley]

Another UK-based Disney board that I'm a member of has set up a specific help-and-advice forum, which already has 1,000 or so messages since early this morning. There's at least one travel professional in there trying to help people re-book, and some villa (vacation home) owners are offering to help people who are stranded.

I hope the mods here won't mind me posting a one-off direct link to the specific TCD-help forum to try and help effected travellers under these unusual circumstances: CLICK HERE (http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=152). Thanks.

My heart goes out to anyone stranded, or who was due to fly in the next few days.

Andre

[raph_b]

I've been monitoring Florida holiday prices with first choice and thomson for the past week or so (I like to compare the price I paid lol). Its all for holidays leaving next week.

all this week holidays have been massivley cheap, fly drives for £250, 2 week 4 star hotel packages for £500 pp etc.

Just looked again now and the prices have shot up to almost double since this morning.

[PoppyAnna]

I'm so sorry to all of you affected by this business collapse :grouphug: Especially those of you with celebration holidays planned like weddings and birthdays and the those of you taking your children, I can't imagine how I would explain it to my little ones......
It's often the case when a business is struggling that the board try to run as normally as possible as long as possible so the least people are affected, I'm not sure this is always the best way but sadly it seem to be the way of the world (large high profile businesses don't admit failure easily).
To the staff of the XL group too, it must be awful - many people now have no job in an industry which it clearly suffering in these tighter financial times.
Best wishes all.

[Netty]

I've been monitoring Florida holiday prices with first choice and thomson for the past week or so (I like to compare the price I paid lol). Its all for holidays leaving next week.

all this week holidays have been massivley cheap, fly drives for £250, 2 week 4 star hotel packages for £500 pp etc.

Just looked again now and the prices have shot up to almost double since this morning.

thats terrible :sad2:

[taqlbotsteve]

After a helpful pointer i looked up visa debit conditions thankfully to find i can claim all my ticket money back, so i phoned the bank only to be told that as its a debit card i can't!!!, i quoted the visa europe conditions and they said the information was incorrect!!!! Alliance and Leicester bite ar5e, useless absolutely useless!!!!!

Where next any ideas???? as its only park tickets will my insurance cover it???

[Anne64]

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this news - what more can I say :grouphug:

It certainly stops you in your tracks though - the flights that I booked online direct with Thomas Cook for our last holiday were not ATOL protected (just checked) - I'll certainly be doing some indepth homework on flight and holiday protection before booking again :sad2:

[Netty]

After a helpful pointer i looked up visa debit conditions thankfully to find i can claim all my ticket money back, so i phoned the bank only to be told that as its a debit card i can't!!!, i quoted the visa europe conditions and they said the information was incorrect!!!! Alliance and Leicester bite ar5e, useless absolutely useless!!!!!

Where next any ideas???? as its only park tickets will my insurance cover it???

give your insurance a ring and see if your covered.

[Netty]

also have a look here for debit/credit card info
http://www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=241645

[paulh]

sad news,for all afected:grouphug: rember when they used to be liberty travel a few years ags.
heard around 60-70 thousand afeted at moment,with a further 250,000 in pipeline with future bookings
Only advice always try to pay deposit on CC,then you will be covered for full amount.used to get my goat when looking on ther site when they added a CC charge,that would have stope a lot useing a CC in first placewith them
Sad day all round
Paulh

[Queenie]

My inlaws are booked to fly with TCD on the 27th. I'm now trying to find them flights, luckily they are in timeshare so it's just the flights/car that have gone.

[paulh]

My inlaws are booked to fly with TCD on the 27th. I'm now trying to find them flights, luckily they are in timeshare so it's just the flights/car that have gone.

just had a look on kayak.co.uk and there showing a onestop to mco for 393 with continental for tthat date return 2 weeks later hope it helps
Paulh

[Elise79]

After a helpful pointer i looked up visa debit conditions thankfully to find i can claim all my ticket money back, so i phoned the bank only to be told that as its a debit card i can't!!!, i quoted the visa europe conditions and they said the information was incorrect!!!! Alliance and Leicester bite ar5e, useless absolutely useless!!!!!

Where next any ideas???? as its only park tickets will my insurance cover it???

Heres a link to the BBC's Working Lunch (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/working_lunch/7593369.stm) for help on payments made by debit cards.

Hope it helps!

[bazzanoid]

just had a look on kayak.co.uk and there showing a onestop to mco for 393 with continental for tthat date return 2 weeks later hope it helps
Paulh

Continental codeshare with a certain large company, so you'll be well looked after :thumbsup2

[irongirlof12]

dreadful news fro those stranded .so sorry th hear that some dissers plans have been ruined :grouphug:

apparently a spokesperson (from BA) on the news I heard has said that a lot of airlines are in difficulty and can expect to see another 30 or so go under in the next 4 months :eek: . a gloomy outlook all round and very sad times for the travel industry.:sad1:

[natalielongstaff]

the XL charman was just on the news and the poor man was trying hard not to cry :sad2:

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

the XL charman was just on the news and the poor man was trying hard not to cry :sad2:


:sad2: :guilty:

[crmscotland]

My DH came across this:

XL Assistance: Thomson and First Choice step in to help out XL customers
http://www.thomson.co.uk/editorial/deals/information.html?ito=goo&referrer=google&gclid=CIGGsKah1pUCFQ9WtAodMXPEZA

>>>Thomson and First Choice regret that holidaymakers have had their holidays disrupted following the collapse of XL.
Both Thomson and First Choice intend doing everything they can to assist those passengers on ATOL protected flights or holidays, whether it be by aiding their repatriation or helping those who are yet to travel in arranging another holiday and claiming a refund. We will also where possible do our utmost to assist with the repatriation of those who booked a flight-only or a dynamic package and were not protected. If available, they will be able to purchase seats home on our flights.

Dermot Blastland, Managing Director of Thomson and First Choice commented “Unlike customers who booked with package tour operators, customers who booked with scheduled airlines, low cost airlines and online intermediaries often do not have the benefit of financial protection. This means that, in the event of a failure, customers may be stranded overseas or unable to get their money back. We estimate that more than 10,000 people have travelled without ATOL protection and could be stranded if we and others don’t step in to help. For quite some time, we have been lobbying the government to recognise the need for a level playing field for all providers of overseas leisure travel arrangements. We are frustrated with the Government for not stepping in sooner which means we are now faced with a situation whereby those passengers who were not ATOL protected, need our assistance with repatriation and will have to pay for their flight seats home.”

First Choice and Thomson assist those stranded overseas

XL customers currently overseas will be able to continue with their holidays as planned. We are currently organising the repatriation of customers who booked ATOL bonded packages and are stranded in Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, Sardinia and Egypt and these flights will take place as close to the passengers original departure dates as possible. Our overseas teams will be working closely with the existing XL representatives in resort to facilitate the repatriation of customers back to the UK.

Passengers currently stranded overseas are advised in the first instance to visit the CAA website (www.atol.org.uk) or call +44 (0)2891856547. There will also be links from the XL website.

Further assistance available for those due to travel

XL customers who have booked an ATOL protected package or flight and are yet to travel, can arrange an alternative holiday. We are advising customers who booked direct, or through a Thomson or First Choice shop to take confirmation of their booking to any of our branches nationwide. Our retail team will be able to arrange an alternative holiday for them and assist with claiming the refund for their XL holiday or flight.

Customers who have booked with another travel agent are advised to visit the travel agent that sold them the holiday who can look at other options with First Choice and Thomson Holidays. Again both businesses will assist with the refund and arrange the paperwork on behalf of the customers.

The company has arranged a helpline for those not near a First Choice or Thomson shop, which is as follows: Tel: 0871 231 5704

Background information:

All package holiday companies offering air inclusive arrangements must have an Air Travel Organisers Licence or ATOL, which ensures that consumers are repatriated or given a full refund if an airline collapses. This cover is usually not available when customers book separate flights and accommodation. A customer who books a scheduled flight direct with an airline is not given the same financial protection as those booked as part of a package.

Many consumers have a false sense of security, believing that their travel insurance will cover them if an airline fails, but usually, this is not the case. Credit card companies do offer some protection, but they will not repatriate passengers if they are abroad.

A recent survey of Thomson Holidays’ customers found that over 90% of holidaymakers said that having their holiday financially protected was important to them but also found that consumers were confused with over 50% of holidaymakers still wrongly believing that booking a scheduled flight directly with an airline meant they were financially protected in the event of bankruptcy.

Despite a Government commitment to encourage scheduled airlines to communicate the fact that flight only bookings are not protected by the ATOL scheme, over 50% of passengers wrongly believed that having paid upfront for their flights in good faith, their money would be protected if the airline went bankrupt.

More detailed advice for customers:

XL Customers who booked direct

If you have booked a holiday or flight with one of these holiday companies direct (ie: not through a travel agent), please go to your local Thomson or First Choice travel shop. In most cases they will be able to transfer the value of your booking to a new holiday with the minimum of fuss. Our retail staff will be able to then reclaim the value of your lost holiday.

XL Customers booked through a Thomson or First Choice Shop

If you have booked a holiday with one of these companies through a Thomson or First Choice Travel Shop, please go back to the shop where they will be able to help. In most cases we will be able to simply transfer the value of your holiday with the failed company onto another holiday. The travel agent will be able to then reclaim the value of your lost holiday.

XL Customers who booked with a travel agentIf you booked a holiday with one of these companies through any other high street travel agent brand please go back to see them. We are working closely with all UK travel agents on this issue and will in most cases be able to transfer your lost holiday value onto a First Choice or Thomson holiday with the minimum of fuss and no penalty.

In all cases customers should bring all the original documents and proof of payments made to the travel agent. This will help speed things up.<<<

[Kevin Stringer]

It's terrible news for all involved.

I can't start to think what is must be like to have a holiday you have booked and planned for (possibly for years) cancelled at the last minute.
I fervently hope you can all rearrange at little increased cost.

I guess there will be a few of us checking up on our travel insurance this evening.

Kev

[Penderbelle]

We were due to fly on the 25th Sept 08. Have managed to book flights with delta airlines for £330.08 each. The only thing we're confused about now is 'is our holtel room and car hire still booked or paid for ?'
Can anybody help?
There is light at the end of the tunnel for us , hope it is for others.

[islandmum]

:goodvibes going to everyone who's stuck with the mess from this company going under.

Hope you all find alternative firms to book your holidays with and you get your money back if possible. Its so sad to think of kids having to be let down knowing Disney was round the corner for them.

also thinking of the employees of the companies - these people have mortgages to pay and with the current economic problems I hope they are all okay.

I know its so hard to lose a trip, its horribly upsetting and if it happened to me I'd be crushed - but my main thoughts go to the employees now without an income.

[paulh]

We were due to fly on the 25th Sept 08. Have managed to book flights with delta airlines for £330.08 each. The only thing we're confused about now is 'is our holtel room and car hire still booked or paid for ?'
Can anybody help?
There is light at the end of the tunnel for us , hope it is for others.

if you booked your accomadation throught TCD or anyouther XL company,you will have lost the rooms and car
If you had done them independantly you will still have them
If you did book it as a package througth TCD you will get a refund via atol/abta
:grouphug:
Paulh

[paulh]

:goodvibes going to everyone who's stuck with the mess from this company going under.

Hope you all find alternative firms to book your holidays with and you get your money back if possible. Its so sad to think of kids having to be let down knowing Disney was round the corner for them.

also thinking of the employees of the companies - these people have mortgages to pay and with the current economic problems I hope they are all okay.

I know its so hard to lose a trip, its horribly upsetting and if it happened to me I'd be crushed - but my main thoughts go to the employees now without an income.
I poste a seperate thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1950374 for peole looking for flights
For rooms ect we would normaly use disney usa or uk
For car usrentacar or yescarehire
Paulh

[taqlbotsteve]

Could i claim for park tickets bought direct from TCD through atol/abta?

[Elle]

Hi,
Commisserations to all who have been let down by XL and TCD. Its disgusting to be frank, I saw somwhere that First Choice and Thomas Cook were happy to help out, thats rich ! I looked at a first choice flight yesterday for Oct 2nd and it was £279, today its nearly £1000 !
Anyway, mods I hope I don't get told off for this but if anyone needs to book car hire call my wife Elle on 0500 50 50 87 and we will knock off as much as we possibly can for you and get them below our published prices just let her know you saw this on the DIS. Good luck to everyone rebooking flights with the vultures !
Tim

[Red-Snapper]

You do wonder who is next - I believe First Choice have had financial "issues" for years...

[paulh]

You do wonder who is next - I believe First Choice have had financial "issues" for years...

then they were bought by TUI group,sloveing them
Paulh

[T16GEM]

Such terrible news affection many many people.:sad1:
My FIL works in the Avaiation Industry and he spoke to someone at Sanford this morning who told him that there were actually planes ready to leave full with people and they made them get off the planes and go back inside the ap. Terrible.

I just hope that everyone gets their money back and those stranded get back safely (although I wouldn't mind being stranded at Disney!)

[paulh]

posable reason for folding http://www.dailymail.co.uk/money/article-1055310/West-Hams-influential-owner-Gudmundsson-pulled-plug-XL.html
Paulh

[mickg7dyd]

Hi,
Not sure if this has already been mentioned but Wayne started this thread nearly 2 weeks ago.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1936987

Mick.

:cool2:

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Have just been to a travel agent to try and salvage something, wife still there. The agent was saying the warning to no longer accept XL bookings came yesterday afternoon and it was no surprise as there had been rumours, on the other hand she said the collapse of Seguro earlier this week was a total surprise. If the 3rd biggest carrier can go under then its a frightening thought that the travel industry is in such turmoil. Is there truly such a thing as a 'bullet-proof' firm any more??

[raph_b]

A first Choice Fly Drive from Bristol to Sanford for 2 weeks leaving 17th September was less than £250 yesterday.

Its £668 at the moment :eek:

Shocking

[mikki.young]

:grouphug: for everyone caught up in this, whether going on holiday, (ex)working for the firm or people trying to sort things out for folks

[Elise79]

XL was the thrid biggest but only gained that position after the big 4 became the big 2 in recent years.

To be honest the prices I used to see them advertise Orlando holidays for I wondered how they made any money :confused3 Sometimes there package was cheaper than flight only on VA.

We never booked with them as it 14 nights and nothing else and sometimes we like to do 10 or 12 as well. Plus they never gave you enough luggage allowance for us-well DH really who likes to buy things that are heavy to bring back :lmao: :confused3

[wayneg]

Hi,
Not sure if this has already been mentioned but Wayne started this thread nearly 2 weeks ago.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1936987

Mick.

:cool2:

I also started same thread on another popular forum, it had over 25,000 views and over 500 of replies, very suprised it wasn't discussed more on here. At the back of my mind I felt this was going to be the outcome but always hoped they would get the funding needed.
Good luck to everyone affected.

[mel_ntu]

Just has an email from netflights showing flights leaving tomorrow onwards for around £331 in case anyone is interested.

Thats quite a deal, the flights I have with virgin for a weeks time were £374.

Good luck anyone caught up in all this. Can't believe it!!!

Mel

[UKDEB]

Sentinel comment (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-c3reports1208sep12,0,6228263.story).

[tracipierce]

I'm sooooo upset, I was booked with TCD for next year too, was really excited to have gotten the upgrade to OKW, my girls are going to be destroyed when I break the news. If I can't get a comparable deal pricewise we won't be going at all

My thoughts are with all those who have been affected immediately :sad1:

[paulh]

just watched and interview with wille walsh(ba)said that 30 flight firms gone bust so far this year.he was surprised at the timming of xl colapse,as its the major income time for firms.and he expects a further 30 firms to go:scared1:
Paulh

[princess jackson]

Thinking about everyone concerned, i can not comprehend how people must be feeling :hug:

Hope everyone gets accomodated.

[paulh]

one filght did leav sanford,but insted of returnning to manchester it when to paris.the reason being the eropean arm of firm still oprerating(differnt company)so they will use the plane there.if it had traveled to manchester it would have been seised by the airport for money owed.They have clamped some of the planes there
Paulh

[andrewilley]

We were due to fly on the 25th Sept 08. Have managed to book flights with delta airlines for £330.08 each. The only thing we're confused about now is 'is our holtel room and car hire still booked or paid for ?

We've had confirmation from Dollar that TCD car hire vouchers will not be honoured at the moment.

Hotels are unsure as yet. Disney are looking into the situation at the moment for guests who are meant to be staying on-site, but nothing has been announced as yet. I would expect that as they won't be paid for the rooms, they won't honour furture bookings... but maybe they'll be able to help in some way? It's all too early to tell yet.

Andre

[Pooh's-Honey-Pot]

I've been upset all day thinking of all the affected people. Thinking of you all still XX

[Azune]

I can't believe that this has happened I really feel for everyone that has been affected. But I wonder if someone knew in the company last night, I was looking at the website last night as I wanted to go to Vegas and I have flown with them before. The man on the other end of the phone said to me
"look mate now is not a good time I can pass your details on to the right team but you will see what am talking about tomorrow". This morning I saw the news and booked my flight with Virgin instead for 500 quid through expedia.

[Aardvarks]

Oh dear

Near miss for us, we have been back just 10 days.

We have used TCD three times in 3 years to go to the USA

We are going again at Christmas and booked last week with holidaygenie.com

I do hope that everyone gets home.

It lloks like the people who booked a flight only deal via xl.com will have to pay to come home. They were quoting £400 pp to bring peeps back from eastern europe this morning

[carolfoy]

only people who booked direct with XL for flight only and paid on debit card will have to subsidise their own flights home, any travel agent booking will be covered and any credit card payment for flight only is covered

[castanea1985]

Oh gosh, this is dreadful news. My heart goes out to people who are caught up in this awful mess!

Why on earth did TCD keep taking bookings and sending out literature.... surely the top bosses could see the problems???

Good luck for all those involved

Tracy xx

[Lizzybear]

Terrible news, so sorry to those affected :grouphug: The fact that they were taking bookings until the last minute doesn't surprise me in the least.. My dad has had a few customers (companies) go bust owing his company money over the years and in the most recent case he only knew because one of his customer's told him it had happened the day before! (before official letters arrived) This was a long established company (over 30 years), well known in the area and most of the employees had been there since the start and had never worked for anyone else so it was a big shock.

[Tron[ADS]]

A truly dreadful situation for anyone concerned. I suspect a lot of people are learning the lesson the hard way.....pay for anything expensive with your credit card !

[Cyrano]

Thoughts for everyone who this has affected :grouphug:

[Bigbluebear]

We were booked with TCD to go 29th june. We only paid the deposit last week!

Apparently my dad has re booked us through a company called Barrhead Travel, but ive no idea which airline its with. he got us a deal at almost the same price, only £100 per person more expensive.

Hes away playing bowls just now so i'll find out more details later if anybody is interested. This is for flying from Glasgow.

[bazzanoid]

Hi,
Commisserations to all who have been let down by XL and TCD. Its disgusting to be frank, I saw somwhere that First Choice and Thomas Cook were happy to help out, thats rich ! I looked at a first choice flight yesterday for Oct 2nd and it was £279, today its nearly £1000 !
Anyway, mods I hope I don't get told off for this but if anyone needs to book car hire call my wife Elle on 0500 50 50 87 and we will knock off as much as we possibly can for you and get them below our published prices just let her know you saw this on the DIS. Good luck to everyone rebooking flights with the vultures !
Tim

Thanks for the offer guys - just for those who don't know you that well - the above number connects you to Florida Homes & Travel (http://www.floridahomesandtravel.com/)and their car hire sub-company (http://www.carhireflorida.net/) - been going for years, give them a call if you're in a jam over this i'm sure they'll help.

:goodvibes

[Azune]

I have just been to the netflights web site and there are still good prices for return flights to Orlando throughout the next two or months with virgin and delta. Just search for xl on google and there are loads of sites looking to make money of other peoples misery :hug: good luck

[DCLMan]

At the back of my mind I felt this was going to be the outcome but always hoped they would get the funding needed.


That's a great help to me, I've had to explain to my 2 children that the holiday that I've saved for for the last 18 months has been cancelled 30 days before we are supposed to fly out. At least you, being the most wonderful person, has his fourth trip booked for this year. You were proved right. Enjoy your next trip.

[Snowy-girls]

I can't believe the amount of diser's affected by this-once again i am so sorry for you all-i hope+pray you can get something sorted.I have also been looking on another popular forum,and it is heartbreaking to see all the people involved on there as well.Reading some of these comments+there comments are very sad.It's the people having to tell there children that's the worst.x.

[cherjp]

Hi we were booked with them to go in 3 weeks, but we have managed to book with first choice going from manchester a couple of days before instead of glasgow, but at least we are able to go so i am extremely thankful for that.

hugs to anyone else affected that cannot go now

[chipndalefan]

That's a great help to me, I've had to explain to my 2 children that the holiday that I've saved for for the last 18 months has been cancelled 30 days before we are supposed to fly out. At least you, being the most wonderful person, has his fourth trip booked for this year. You were proved right. Enjoy your next trip.

I feel awful for you and your family, as I'm sure we all do, though I dont feel you should be making digs at Wayneg.

[emily1982]

I feel awful for you and your family, as I'm sure we all do, though I dont feel you should be making digs at Wayneg.

I agree, alot of travel companies are vunerable at the moment and everybody is upset. We are all fortunate enough to be able to go to Disney on these boards, it doesn't matter how many times you go. I'm sorry to everyone who is affected by this.

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I feel awful for you and your family, as I'm sure we all do, though I dont feel you should be making digs at Wayneg.

:thumbsup2

[penlanspice]

That's a great help to me, I've had to explain to my 2 children that the holiday that I've saved for for the last 18 months has been cancelled 30 days before we are supposed to fly out. At least you, being the most wonderful person, has his fourth trip booked for this year. You were proved right. Enjoy your next trip.


Come on I don't think that was called for at all, Wayne was merely making a statement not having a dig!! now those comments are going to turn this thread into something else.
I'm sure we all feel for those affected.

[Snowy-girls]

Please keep this thread a support thread for the unfortunate people in all of this including DCLMan,tensions are running high+peoples minds are all over the place at the moment.Would hate to see this closed down by a Mod.x.

[PoppyAnna]

I can understand how this thread can go from shock to anger - it's the natural human reaction.
I would be so angry about having to tell my young children that their dream Disney holiday was no more.
One thing we all have in common on the DIS is our love of WDW, Orlando and Florida in general. All of those holidays are special to all of us regardless of how often we go. Be under no illusion, for ALL of us the demise of this company will have a massive impact on travel to Orlando. In my household for instance, there have been plans lately to possibly purchase an Orlando property for long-term investment, the recent weakening pound and now the demise of XL has put a stop to those thoughts. IMHO the era of cheaper travel to Orlando is over, for the foreseeable future, at least.
No matter how much these things are predicted or sepculated upon it doesn't mean that the outcome will be different.
It's common for big business to carry on "as-normal" for as long as possible and then go into administration all of a sudden.
Many have commented "they could have done this, or that" but it's never the case. You can't warn customers and staff that you "might" go bust - it simply causes chaos.
However, I'm sure more could be done by the CAA in these situations.
Instead of being grounded it would be an idea to use XL's 21 aircraft and many staff to return stranded passengers home.
As I've said in my previous post, I feel so desperately sorry for those booked under the XL group, no matter where in the world you were going.

[alisonbestford]

I feel awful for you and your family, as I'm sure we all do, though I dont feel you should be making digs at Wayneg.

:grouphug:

[Mrs Doubtfire]

I hope no Disers are stranded over there who have booked flights only - I felt so sad watching the news this evening :sad1:

[Snowy-girls]

I hope no Disers are stranded over there who have booked flights only - I felt so sad watching the news this evening :sad1:

I have decided to not watch much of the news tonight,it's too upsetting to listen to the peoples stories,although i want to know if there's any outcome yet?.The last i heard was Monarch are getting ready to fly some home.x.

[UKDEB]

That's a great help to me, I've had to explain to my 2 children that the holiday that I've saved for for the last 18 months has been cancelled 30 days before we are supposed to fly out. At least you, being the most wonderful person, has his fourth trip booked for this year. You were proved right. Enjoy your next trip.
DCLMan, this is clearly a highly emotive time and I understand that you are undoubtedly hyper-sensitive at the moment. We all feel your pain (and that of the many thousands of others affected by this), but that doesn't give you the right to lash out and personal attacks are never appropriate whatever the circumstances. Wayne is an extremely valuable contributor to these boards and his observations on this topic are perfectly valid.

Can I implore everyone to now return to the very important topic in hand.

[Girlsontour]

Whilst watching the news, all day, you can't help but put yourselves in the people's position. It is absolutely heartbreaking to watch (especially the ones due to go to Florida with whom we all know how excited they will have been)...if only i had won the Euro Millions last week i could have at least helped some of them. The couple on Sky News who were due to get married next week in Florida would be top of my list - lets hope someone watching will help them out.

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Whilst watching the news, all day, you can't help but put yourselves in the people's position. It is absolutely heartbreaking to watch (especially the ones due to go to Florida with whom we all know how excited they will have been)...if only i had won the Euro Millions last week i could have at least helped some of them. The couple on Sky News who were due to get married next week in Florida would be top of my list - lets hope someone watching will help them out.

I completely agree,I felt so bad watching it this morning seeing the excited little childrens faces..and realising they most probably dont have a clue what is going on so on.
I feel bad for every single one of them,cause we know how it feels to be so excited,working so hard to have your holiday only for it be cancelled and no ideas of what is going to happen :(

[Pinky166]

Girlsontour - I know exactly what you mean....did you see the family who were due to go tomorrow they were taking their 18 year old son for his birthday, he has got cystic fibrosis and this was going to be his last holiday (getting too ill to fly). It has cost them £3000 in medical bills alone as he has to have lots of tests to show that he is well enough to make the trip......I hope someone watching the news is able to help that family out. :sad: :sad: :sad: pixiedust:

My heart goes out to all of the people effected. :hug:

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Girlsontour - I know exactly what you mean....did you see the family who were due to go tomorrow they were taking their 18 year old son for his birthday, he has got cystic fibrosis and this was going to be his last holiday (getting too ill to fly). It has cost them £3000 in medical bills alone as he has to have lots of tests to show that he is well enough to make the trip......I hope someone watching the news is able to help that family out. :sad: :sad: :sad: pixiedust:

My heart goes out to all of the people effected. :hug:

Oh my how awful
:sad2: Hope someone can help them out :guilty:

[Metro West]

As an Orlando resident...I would just like to extend my apologies for any bad treatment the folks who are stuck here experienced. I've watched the local news and it's disturbing to me that some of the stranded passengers are blaming the U.S., the airport and state of Florida...when clearly XL was the one to blame for this whole experience. The news said the airport has provided meals for passengers at Denny's and the British Consulate has arranged a flight out at 6:50pm tonight.

For those of you who are trying to rebook their trips on another carrier, I hope everything works out and you are able to come to Orlando after all.

[UKDEB]

clearly XL was the one to blame for this whole experience.
I'm not sure that's entirely true. From what I can gather, both the company and its UK bankers did everything in their powers to prevent this meltdown and launch a rescue package. It seems that the Icelandic bankers pulled the plug and, thanks to the insolvency laws in this country, once the inevitable happened, the planes were grounded even though common sense (and XL's Directors) would have had them fly everyone home rather than leave them stranded.

[Debbied]

Kind thoughts to everyone affected, very sad situation :sad1: Adults can understand the reasons, but if you have kids it must be devastating trying to explain to them why they can't go on holiday... Also in these uncertain times, think of the staff who are now wondering how they are going to pay the bills....having to start looking for another job at this moment must be hell

[Metro West]

I'm not sure that's entirely true. From what I can gather, both the company and its UK bankers did everything in their powers to prevent this meltdown and launch a rescue package. It seems that the Icelandic bankers pulled the plug and, thanks to the insolvency laws in this country, once the inevitable happened, the planes were grounded even though common sense (and XL's Directors) would have had them fly everyone home rather than leave them stranded.I agree but I was referring to the people here who were blaming the U.S. and the airport. I know they were frustrated and rightfully so...I would be too.

[Netty]

DCLMan, this is clearly a highly emotive time and I understand that you are undoubtedly hyper-sensitive at the moment. We all feel your pain (and that of the many thousands of others affected by this), but that doesn't give you the right to lash out and personal attacks are never appropriate whatever the circumstances. Wayne is an extremely valuable contributor to these boards and his observations on this topic are perfectly valid.

Can I implore everyone to now return to the very important topic in hand.

sorry, i have to agree with ukdeb and others who have said the same thing,

hope and prey you get your holidays

[misscrossbee]

I just wanted to add my heartfelt thoughts for everyone affected by this miserable situation, both stranded and out-of-pocket travellers and XL employees.

[UKDEB]

Local 6 report (http://www.local6.com/travelgetaways/17456089/detail.html).

[kopitedor]

Kind thoughts to everyone affected, very sad situation,we will be going in 2010 we were going with TCD:sad2: party of ten flying fist class staying at pop cost about £10,00 some how dont think we will be going fist classs know but will get to disney some how,also think a lot of folk have lost there jobs we have sorry had used TCD three times befor and the staff had been fist class.Just to say i dont put aney blame on the U.S., the airport or state of Florida. sorry about the spelling im dyslexic:sad2: :sad2: :sad2: Dave,Christine.Lisa

[kopitedor]

just found this on the WDW web site hope it will help some folk Walt Disney Travel Company Advisory For Affected XL Customers

If you booked a complete package with flights through XL Leisure Group and have been affected by the recent announcement, please visit the CAA website at www.caa.co.uk which provides the most up to date information. The phone number for CAA is 0870 5900 927.

If you only booked your flights through XL Leisure Group, but have separately booked a hotel or ticket reservation through the Walt Disney Travel Company and would like to amend your booking we will waive the amendment fees. If you wish to cancel your booking, we will refund without penalty. Please call 0870 24 24 900*.

[MrsJobba1]

I just want to add I am so very sorry to all who have booked. I can't imagine the devastation you must be feeling.
For those who are stranded you are in my thoughts and prayers
:grouphug:

[MrsJobba1]

Hi have just seen on the virgin atlantic site that they are offering special one way fares to those stranded by XL

[Aardvarks]

My wife and I worked so hard for our vacation this year and we were luck enough to go and come back.

The pull of Disney and Florida is so strong that we both cried watching the news and thinking about all those poor people who might not get their long planned for vacation.

My wife and I also feel real sad for the ordinary workers at XL and TCD who are now out of jobs with little chance of any redundancy payments or compensation. The UK is not a good place to be looking for a new job at this time of year. Those poor people will be lucky to get their final pay checks.

So spare a thought for the ordinary joe and joanne working to pay a mortgage and put food on the table.:upsidedow

[thepedigree123]

My wife and I worked so hard for our vacation this year and we were luck enough to go and come back.

The pull of Disney and Florida is so strong that we both cried watching the news and thinking about all those poor people who might not get their long planned for vacation.

My wife and I also feel real sad for the ordinary workers at XL and TCD who are now out of jobs with little chance of any redundancy payments or compensation. The UK is not a good place to be looking for a new job at this time of year. Those poor people will be lucky to get their final pay checks.

So spare a thought for the ordinary joe and joanne working to pay a mortgage and put food on the table.:upsidedow

Well said Aardvarks...a damn shame..fortunately my TCD holiday was booked for Feb so while the dissapointment is bad I still have time to salvage something. Like you my thoughts were automatically with those people who turned up at airports only to be told to go home, and what a cruel, cruel time of year to lose your job. I travelled to FLA 4 times with TCD and their customer service was second to none (IMO). I hope everyone affected gets back on their feet soon.

[craigs bride]

i feel for everyone who has been affected by this....thinking of you all at this time !!

[laura_<3]

I feel so bad for everyone who has been affected by this. I work for a travel agency in the head office and yesterday from 8am it was chaos, everyone was working so hard trying to find alternative flights for those flying out in the future and also trying to help those who are also out in resort. Some staff worked til 9pm last night (4 hours more than normal). To make matters worse our phone lines were jammed so we couldn't ring out so we had to run out and buy emergency mobiles to call back customers on. One woman who was supposed to be flying out next week came to our offices in tears not knowing what to do, I felt so bad for her :(

[comingtodisney]

my thoughts are with all of those affected by this. :grouphug:

[paulh]

I agree but I was referring to the people here who were blaming the U.S. and the airport. I know they were frustrated and rightfully so...I would be too.

What there blameing is not the usa side,it is the fact that they want them of there property,and are getting no info from them or help

just found this on the WDW web site hope it will help some folk Walt Disney Travel Company Advisory For Affected XL Customers

If you booked a complete package with flights through XL Leisure Group and have been affected by the recent announcement, please visit the CAA website at www.caa.co.uk which provides the most up to date information. The phone number for CAA is 0870 5900 927.

If you only booked your flights through XL Leisure Group, but have separately booked a hotel or ticket reservation through the Walt Disney Travel Company and would like to amend your booking we will waive the amendment fees. If you wish to cancel your booking, we will refund without penalty. Please call 0870 24 24 900*.

Glad disney are doing somthing to help

On the isue of advice re it going under weeks ago.we all try to help with surgestions as we all disney lovers but sometimes the truth hurts and a lot of people dont like being told over and over again this that and outher
Paulh

[UKDEB]

I feel so bad for everyone who has been affected by this. I work for a travel agency in the head office and yesterday from 8am it was chaos, everyone was working so hard trying to find alternative flights for those flying out in the future and also trying to help those who are also out in resort. Some staff worked til 9pm last night (4 hours more than normal). To make matters worse our phone lines were jammed so we couldn't ring out so we had to run out and buy emergency mobiles to call back customers on.(
Nice to hear an example of the old Dunkirk Spirit. Well done to you and your colleagues. :goodvibes

[Dr_Finkelstein]

We were due to fly out with TCD from Glasgow on Monday, staying at POFQ, taking advantage of free DDP. I'd even managed to get the holy grail of an ADR at CRT!
We know we will get our money back - sent off the paperwork to ATOL yesterday.
Luckily we've managed to rebook with Virgin flying out 31 Oct. The travel agent tried Thomson and First Choice, but there wasn't a huge amount of availabilty, and the prices were scary - the equivalent holiday with First Choice was £1500 more, mainly because we were no longer eligible for free DDP!!!!
The Virgin holiday was only couple hundred more, mainly because we now have to factor in the cost of travelling down to Gatwick. Car hire is not included, but we'll probably hire over there for a few days. We're now staying at POP which is fine, but I was really keen to stay in a moderate for a treat!
At least we're going though - unlike some people. We've saved really hard for the past 2 years for this holiday (no holidays in past 2 years!). It's just been so disappointing happening so close to our travel date! The kids skipped off to school yesterday sing "3 days till our holiday" :sad1:
They were in tears at home time when we told them!

[Azune]

I know I have posted on this topic twice before but I will again, I think that the folks at the airport in US where probably being a little bit angry with the staff there but we all know Sanford on these boards its not a metropolitan airport I think they like to shut up shop in the evening and go home and these were very unusual circumstances perhaps something like this has never happened before to them!
Also I got a big shiny brochure from TCD this morning offering meall of the latest deals....into the recycling bin!

:confused:

[Snowy-girls]

We were due to fly out with TCD from Glasgow on Monday, staying at POFQ, taking advantage of free DDP. I'd even managed to get the holy grail of an ADR at CRT!
We know we will get our money back - sent off the paperwork to ATOL yesterday.
Luckily we've managed to rebook with Virgin flying out 31 Oct. The travel agent tried Thomson and First Choice, but there wasn't a huge amount of availabilty, and the prices were scary - the equivalent holiday with First Choice was £1500 more, mainly because we were no longer eligible for free DDP!!!!
The Virgin holiday was only couple hundred more, mainly because we now have to factor in the cost of travelling down to Gatwick. Car hire is not included, but we'll probably hire over there for a few days. We're now staying at POP which is fine, but I was really keen to stay in a moderate for a treat!
At least we're going though - unlike some people. We've saved really hard for the past 2 years for this holiday (no holidays in past 2 years!). It's just been so disappointing happening so close to our travel date! The kids skipped off to school yesterday sing "3 days till our holiday" :sad1:
They were in tears at home time when we told them!

Glad you got a result :thumbsup2 -lets hope others do as well :hug: .x.

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

We were due to fly out with TCD from Glasgow on Monday, staying at POFQ, taking advantage of free DDP. I'd even managed to get the holy grail of an ADR at CRT!
We know we will get our money back - sent off the paperwork to ATOL yesterday.
Luckily we've managed to rebook with Virgin flying out 31 Oct. The travel agent tried Thomson and First Choice, but there wasn't a huge amount of availabilty, and the prices were scary - the equivalent holiday with First Choice was £1500 more, mainly because we were no longer eligible for free DDP!!!!
The Virgin holiday was only couple hundred more, mainly because we now have to factor in the cost of travelling down to Gatwick. Car hire is not included, but we'll probably hire over there for a few days. We're now staying at POP which is fine, but I was really keen to stay in a moderate for a treat!
At least we're going though - unlike some people. We've saved really hard for the past 2 years for this holiday (no holidays in past 2 years!). It's just been so disappointing happening so close to our travel date! The kids skipped off to school yesterday sing "3 days till our holiday" :sad1:
They were in tears at home time when we told them!

I am so pleased you are sorted :hug:

[Dr_Finkelstein]

Grumpy here

Thanks Beth and Snowy

Am relaxing a bit more after yesterday. Sitting in the travel agents yesterday the bookings were literally disappearing off the screen. Made us realise that it was now or never and frankly I could not wait till next year for a holiday, and who knows what the availability and prices will be by then. TCD cannot be the last to fail sadly.

I only hope that others affected by yesterdays problems gets to book something to replace their trip

Never have credit cards had such positive promotion as they did yesterday!

[bavaria]

My sympathies to those of you who have been impacted, and especially to the workers impacted (and of course, any situation like this will have a poor impact on the economy)

I have started two threads on the Transportation Board about these topics; I think that often readers here are not aware of international news and how it impacts them. I have long warned that UK and other European visitors will not 'save' WDW during the US economic downturn, and sadly now this is holding true.

Please do feel free to visit the Transportation Board and share your comments. I don't want to speak for all of you, but I do think that this is important news which needs to be heard by the American readers here as it will impact them as well....

Best of luck with your travels!

[whenyouwish....]

:grouphug: to everyone who has been affected by this.

It is so sad to think of everyone working so hard to save for a holiday with the family (some saving for years) to be told you can no longer go & you may even losse the money you have spent :grouphug:

I really hope there is a way round it all for you and you manage to re-book with someone else.

I have been on the Virgin website & they have some fab prices for flights home if anyone is stranded in the USA atm. Prices from £194 PP.

[saratogagirl]

I am so sorry for everyone affected by this xx

[Joseph Carter]

:cheer2: I booked with TCD and have just returned home. We were very lucky to have drove to Sanford as early as possible on Saturday as the seats were first come first serve. They used a Monarch flight for us and told us that we wouldnt have to pay any extra.The people at Sanford deserve a round of applause for cleaning up XL mess. Sadly when I was in the queue I overheard a member of staff saying "There are 900 people to fly today and there are only 600 spaces!". My heart goes out to anyone who is suffering from this, especially those who wont even get to Orlando. :sad2:

[kopitedor]

good post the people at Sanford do deserve a round of applause for cleaning up XL mess. :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :woohoo: nice to a see you got home ok ,hope the holiday was ok and this did not spoil it for you

[Snowy-girls]

:cheer2: I booked with TCD and have just returned home. We were very lucky to have drove to Sanford as early as possible on Saturday as the seats were first come first serve. They used a Monarch flight for us and told us that we wouldnt have to pay any extra.The people at Sanford deserve a round of applause for cleaning up XL mess. Sadly when I was in the queue I overheard a member of staff saying "There are 900 people to fly today and there are only 600 spaces!". My heart goes out to anyone who is suffering from this, especially those who wont even get to Orlando. :sad2:

Welcome home+glad you got home ok.Hope you had a good holiday+yes what a shame about the poor people who never managed to go.Let's hope somehthing turns up for them.x.

[snookhams]

we have been watching this and reading all the comments and are devastated for those that are affected as we know how we would feel had we been caught up in it, it makes me feel physically sick for those with young children who have saved hard for this and also the employees as we know from first hand how devestating it is to loose you job with limited notice.

Did laugh *** I received a Travel city brochure today!!!!

[jackieleanne]

we have been watching this and reading all the comments and are devastated for those that are affected as we know how we would feel had we been caught up in it, it makes me feel physically sick for those with young children who have saved hard for this and also the employees as we know from first hand how devestating it is to loose you job with limited notice.

Did laugh *** I received a Travel city brochure today!!!!

Yeah we received our offers brochure the day they went down mum and dad wouldn't believe me when I said they had gone they kept saying yeah they just do the flights with them they haven't gone out of business. Round of applause to the people trying to sort all of this mess out. And pixie dust to everyone affected. :wizard:

[dc1964]

we recieved our flight tickets for our flight booked through freedom flights and a tcd brochure, neither of which are any use.......nice glossy brochure though.

[JohnnySharp2]

:cheer2: I booked with TCD and have just returned home. We were very lucky to have drove to Sanford as early as possible on Saturday as the seats were first come first serve. They used a Monarch flight for us and told us that we wouldnt have to pay any extra.The people at Sanford deserve a round of applause for cleaning up XL mess. Sadly when I was in the queue I overheard a member of staff saying "There are 900 people to fly today and there are only 600 spaces!". My heart goes out to anyone who is suffering from this, especially those who wont even get to Orlando. :sad2:

Welcome home, glad you got back safe and well. :)