Airline Bankruptcy Info

[CarolA]

Every now and then I see a post on what to do if my airline quits flying.

I found the following information at http://www.travelsense.org/consumer/bankruptairlines.asp

\ Remember Section 145. Consumers who already have purchased a ticket on an airline that ceases operations may be entitled to stand-by travel on other airlines. Section 145 of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act provides that airline passengers holding tickets (paper or electronic) from a bankrupt carrier for a particular route are entitled, at minimum, to transportation on a space-available basis on ANY airline currently serving that route within 60 days after an airline has suspended operations. Additionally, the maximum fee that an airline can charge for providing standby transportation should not exceed $25 each way.

 

[inkkognito]

Thanks for the link!
Since we hold tickets on ATA for twice a month through Dec., it's good to know our rights and options just in case.
Barb

 

[mom_rules]

You may also have additional protection if you booked your flight through a TA or if they were paid for by your credit card.

 

[CarolA]

mom_rules,
You will normally have additional protection if you booked via a credit card (TA just depends) However, all that does is get you your money back! Most people on here want a seat! LOL! If the airline shuts down the week before you are suppose to fly getting your money back might not be your best bet. You probably won't be able to get a cheap seat someplace else. If it shuts down 6 months in advance go for the cash and buy a new seat.

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

Originally posted by CarolA
mom_rules,
You will normally have additional protection if you booked via a credit card (TA just depends) However, all that does is get you your money back! Most people on here want a seat! LOL! If the airline shuts down the week before you are suppose to fly getting your money back might not be your best bet. You probably won't be able to get a cheap seat someplace else. If it shuts down 6 months in advance go for the cash and buy a new seat.

I know that if you book though a TA in the province of Ontario you are insured. All TA must be a member of TICO(Travel Industry Council of Ontario). There is a Travel Industry Compensation Fund that helps consumers who have paid for travel services that were not rendered.

I was down in Las Vegas about 10 years ago when the airline (Odyssey Air) went bankrupt. I was lucky that the tour operator was able to find an alternate aircraft to get us home.
Booking with a credit card is a good thing as the CC company will use their dispute process to get funds returned.

 

[mom_rules]

Exactly, If you book through a TA, you can eventually get compensated, plus they will generally get you another flight.
You will get your $ back quicker through the CC process. It has happened a couple of times-Canada 3000, Royal Air-got pretty close with our AC flight at Easter.

 

[manning]

You will normally have additional protection if you booked via a credit card (TA just depends)

Where's our resident travel agent? I have my doubts that a travel agent has to reimburse. It would have to be a credit card.

Canada is a different ball game.