Protect your holiday - Storey

He said in a statement: “Recent events such as the volcanic ash cloud and the failure of the Goldtrail have caused havoc to the holiday plans for many families locally.

“Nobody can guarantee that events will not interrupt holiday plans or cause their cancellation. There are however things that can be done to ensure the best possible insulation against such events.”

“With that in mind I very much welcome the Plain Facts guide published recently by the Consumer Council.”

“There are steps that can be taken. For example if you are booking a package holiday or charter flight with a tour operator or travel agent, always make sure that it is ATOL protected. This means that if your charter airline or your tour operator goes out of business before you go on holiday you will be entitled to a refund. It also means that should you be abroad you would be able to continue your holiday and that arrangements would be made to enable get you to return home.”

“If someone books their holiday or flights costing more than 100 by credit card from any bank or provider, they also have additional protection. If the tour operator or airline goes out of business, you can claim a refund from the credit card company. In addition all VISA cards provide added protection as under VISA’s ‘Chargeback’ facility you can claim a refund from your card provider.”

“I would urge people to obtain copies of the Consumer Council guide, and to do everything possible to safeguard their holiday.”

Copies are avaiable from my constitunecy office in Ballymoney.”