3,000 seek refunds after collapse of lowcostholidays travel agent

More than 3,000 would-be holiday-goers have sought refunds from the public body responsible for licensing the travel trade in Ireland, following the collapse of budget travel agent lowcostholidays last month.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation confirmed that as of yesterday morning, it had received 3,040 claims for refunds from passengers on foot of bookings with lowcostholidays, which collapsed on July 15.

A spokesperson for the commission yesterday told the Irish Examiner that because the incoming claims are still being assessed, it is not in a position to state the combined value of all the refunds sought.

The collapse of lowcost-holidays affected some 27,000 customers in resorts at the time the company ceased trading, and further affected some 110,000 customers across Europe who had booked holidays through the travel company.

Sources within the travel industry here estimate that some 15,000 Irish people were affected by the collapse of lowcostholidays.

As the company was licenced by and bonded with the commission, Irish customers who booked flights and accommodation as part of a package deal through the lowcostholidays’ Spanish subsidiary are able to reclaim their costs.

However, the bond does not cover those who booked accommodation only through the company, and such customers who are seeking a refund have been advised to either contact their bank or refer to their credit card or travel insurance for possible recourse.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation said that it “is currently assessing the claims that have been received and in some instances additional information and documentation has been sought”.

It said those seeking a refund have until September 19 to submit their claim form to the commission.

Claim forms for refunds can be found on the commission’s website, aviationreg.ie.