Travellers warned to avoid unlicensed agents

Holidaymakers are being urged to ensure that their travel operator is licensed before making a booking.

Travel Insurance News - 10/11/2008

<< Singapore Airlines reducing fuel surcharges | Travel News | Head of Arriva Trains agrees travel is uncomfortable >>

Last week, the Commission for Aviation Regulation released a list of travel operators whose licenses had expired. An expired license means that customers are no longer financially protected if the company fails.

Since the end of October, the licenses of 32 travel agents and 16 tour operators have lapsed. It is likely that some of the companies on the list may have ceased trading, but other operators are continuing to operate and accepting customer bookings without having a valid license.

A spokesperson for the commission stressed that consumers should avoid booking their holidays with unlicensed operators.

“People are taking a risk if they book with someone who is not licensed and bonded. In the event of the company getting into trouble, they have no guarantee of being protected,” the spokesperson said.

The commission has noted, however, that all customers who booked holidays with an operator whose license expired on 31 October, would be covered by an industry bond, if the holiday was booked before that date.

“It is important to ask your travel agent or tour operator if they are currently licensed,” stress the spokesperson for the commission.

<< Singapore Airlines reducing fuel surcharges | Travel News | Head of Arriva Trains agrees travel is uncomfortable >>