Flybe confirmed today that it has entered Administration meaning that all flights are cancelled with immediate effect. If you have been impacted by this, it’s important that you are aware of your consumer rights as you may be entitled to compensation and assistance.
Richard Williams, Head of Transport at The Consumer Council said, “The Consumer Council recognises that this is a difficult time for both Flybe passengers and staff. For any affected customers, your rights will differ depending on how you paid for the flights.
If you booked directly with Flybe: Customers who bought their tickets separately with a personal credit card may be able to claim their money back from the credit card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. To be eligible, you will need to have paid more than £100 for each separate flight. If the flight was cheaper, or you used a debit card, you may be able to use the ‘Chargeback’ scheme that card issuers are signed up to. You have to make your claim within 120 days.
If you have your own travel insurance check if it contains a Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance clause. If it does you can make a claim to get your money back.
If you bought your flights as part of a package with an ATOL travel firm and received an ATOL certificate: You should be ATOL protected. Contact your travel firm for more information.
If you booked through an airline ticket agent: You should speak to the agent in the first instance as they may have provided travel insurance that includes Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (the type of protection provided may vary depending on the type of policy taken out).”
As there are no more Flybe flights, customers will need to search for alternative flights with other airlines.
“The loss of Flybe services will reduce Northern Ireland consumer’s travel options to Great Britain and Europe in the short term. The Consumer Council will continue to highlight the importance of regional connectivity to the Northern Ireland economy and consumers in the hope to improve consumer travel options in future.”
Ends
CLANRYE NEWS 