Holidaymakers who book online warned they may struggle to get refunds if flights are cancelled

Online travel agents  have become an increasingly popular way to book package holidays and last-minute breaks.

Holidaymakers who book trips through online travel agents are being warned they may struggle to secure a refund if their flights are cancelled or delayed, and risk being left out of pocket indefinitely.  

Pat Dawson, CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA), said the poor treatment of Irish holidaymakers by online travel agents over the past number of years is going “under the radar” and he believes thousands of consumers have lost money.