29 August 2008

Zoom collapsed with 60,000 forward bookings

Zoom Airlines failed with 60,000 forward bookings, the Civil Aviation Authority sais this morning.

In addition, there are 4,500 UK passengers abroad left stranded by the collapse of the budget transatlantic carrier.

The CAA warned those passengers who booked direct with the carrier that they have to make alternative arrangements with other airlines.

The same applies to UK travellers who were due to fly back to the UK with Zoom.

This is because the CAAÃ¢â¬â¢s ATOL scheme does not cover customers who book flights directly with airlines such as Zoom.

Passengers with forward bookings who booked using a credit card are advised by the CAA to contact their credit card company about refunds.

Those who paid by debit or charge card should contact their card company for advice about full or a partial refund where only part of the journey has been completed, according to the CAA.

Customers with travel insurance should check their policy to see whether any airline insolvency cover was provided.

UK customers that purchased air holiday packages that included Zoom Airlines flights or charter flights from a tour operator should contact their operator or travel agent about alternative travel arrangements, the CAA advised.

Non-UK passengers are advised to contact their home countryÃ¢â¬â¢s aviation/consumer protection organisation or their credit card company for advice and information about whether they are able to obtain refunds or assistance.

*See linked story and Comment.

by Phil Davies

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Your Comments (7)

Zoom

Why not RE-INTRODUCE the levy that existed in the 70's to top up the fund, as an ex employee of Clarksons we charged it and no one batted an eyelid, why the BIG debate now as calls are made to introduce a levy. We pay for pillows,bags,meals(albeit dire ones) and the rest of the rigmarole. What is so wrong with making the passenger FEEL protected and charging for it as well ?

By DAVID WOOD, Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Put the blame where it belongs!

The opportunity was there, when the ATOL system was reformed, to include all air passengers, whether scheduled, low cost or charter. It was turned down by the Government.

By David Wilson, Monday, September 1, 2008
Opportunity Missed!

Julian, the opportunity was there, and pushed for by ABTA among others, when the ATOL system was reformed to protect all air passengers, whether scheduled or not. It was turned down by the government. So put the blame where it properly should be.

By David Wilson, Monday, September 1, 2008
Here we go again...

As a broadcast journalist for BBC news back in the 70's I remember way back when the late Sir Freddie Laker's Skytrain (a disgrace, Freddie was truly tucked up by you know who) and also Court Line at Luton Airport went bust, the airport authority placed a couple of pushback tractors on the nose wheel of the remaining Court Line aircraft, slapping a court (no pun intended) writ on the aircraft and the terminal was full of screaming, tired passengers giving the ground staff ( working long hours UNPAID) a hard time. No one knew what was happening least of all the ground staff still wearing their Court Line uniforms (no sign of the directors - funny that...) and like Zoo the end came and hundreds of people were stranded. This is the 21st century. It cannot be beyond the wit of man(person)kind to have an industry wide MANDATORY repatriation scheme colected as a PAX headcount or seat capacity tax at airports, using up all spare capacity (and repo trips) then claiming back the discounted at-cost ticket cost from a centrally administered fund. It would at least stop the harrowing and very damaging pictures of stranded OAPs and distressed people who have missed important once in a lifetime events (ie a wedding in Canada)It would also stop the pictures and videos of Pax telling the world they paid &#pound;3,000 to get home and still had to endure a night at Glasgow Airport's Holiday Inn Hotel. Such a fund could be easily set up and of course if it had charitable status any payments in by airlines would be offset against tax and in addition other payments in would be tax free as the charity would be able to claim them all back....OK you moneymen make this work and quickly...call me if you need any other ideas.

By JULIAN BRAY MCIPR,NUJ,MMC, Monday, September 1, 2008
what gentlemen's agreement???

The fact is if you haven't booked with an ATOL protected tour operator you risk losing your money in the event of an operator failing.So called "low cost " airlines are keen to hide this and their customers are largely ignorant of it.

By simon golden, Monday, September 1, 2008
they are on their own

As a travel agency we are expected to show financial fitness or hold costly letters of credit. These airlines get away with too much.It's too easy.No accountability.I don't feel sorry for them or the stranded customers. Want cheap????

By scarlett wilson-brown, Monday, September 1, 2008
Zoom Away

Now we will find out if that "Gentleman's Agreement" which airlines use to say that they do not need bonding, works. Gentlemen's Agreements being, as they are, seldom made by Gentlemen who are rarely in agreement....

By Murray Harrold, Friday, August 29, 2008