Thousands of families have had their holiday plans thrown into disarray after the online travel agent Lowcostholidays closed without warning on Friday evening.
As many as 15,000 Irish customers are affected, many of whom are already in holiday resorts that they will be asked to pay for again before they leave, despite having paid for their accommodation in full already.
Transfers back to the airport may also be an issue and holidaymakers are likely to be asked to shell out for buses and taxis on the journey home, even if these had been booked within their package.
When it went into administration, the company had 27,000 passengers already abroad and over 110,000 customers booked to travel in the coming weeks. All had made bookings through the company’s various brands including Lowcosttravelgroup Ltd, Hoteling.com and Lowcostholidays Spain.
While confirmed flight tickets are still valid, many room bookings have been cancelled.
Travellers who booked package deals through Lowcostholidays should be covered by the Commission for Aviation Regulation, which plans to release details on how to make a claim on Monday.
Meanwhile, Irish customers have reacted angrily, with many taking to the company’s Facebook page to share their stories and ask for help:
Sabrina Hickey is stranded and has been asked to pay up or ship out: “I’m out in Spain with my son had to pay full amount to hotel or leave in 24 hours.
Sarah Jane Armstrong wrote: “My mam and my sister flew out this morning she rang the hotel last night and they said they received no payment from lowcost even tho she paid them on full 2 weeks ago. She had to pay again.”
Cliodhna Crowley added: “I have booked with ye 10 times and he leave me high and dry. My mums 70th birthday is a disaster and ye didn’t even have the decency to notify us!”
What to do now:
If you’re abroad and have been affected by the closure of Lowcostholidays:
Check your travel insurance and carefully read your policy. It’s unlikely, but there’s a small chance you might be covered.
Check with your debit and credit card company. Some offer refunds when a company goes bust.
Keep all receipts, particularly accommodation and transport receipts. You may need them to make a claim later, either with the IAA or Spanish regulators Govern de les illes Balears.
Further information is available here.
Have you been affected by the closure of Lowcostholidays? Let us know on Twitter @HerFamilydotie.
