Holiday Which? urges passengers to protect themselves against airline failure

In the wake of the collapse of budget airline SkyEurope, Holiday Which? is urging passengers to ensure they are protected against future failures, including buying adequate travel insurance.

Thousands of passengers were left holding worthless tickets when the carrier that flew from London Luton to a handful of eastern European destinations went bust last week.

Though most standard travel insurance policies do not protect against airline failure, passengers can buy additional scheduled airline failure cover which is available from some travel insurance companies, including insurewithease.

Some passengers who paid for their SkyEurope flights by credit card or by Visa debit card might be able to claim a refund from their card issuer, but only if the cost of their seat was £100 or more.

Others who bought flights as part of a package will be protected under the SkyEurope's ATOL licence and must apply to the Civil Aviation Authority for a refund.

Rochelle Turner from Holiday Which? said: It's really important that people take steps to ensure they are protected should a similar incident occur in the future.

If you pay for your flight with a credit card, Visa debit card or book it as part of a package holiday then you shouldn't have any problems getting your money back.

""The same applies for people who book through an ATOL bonded travel agent or operator. You may even be covered by your travel insurance as some policies cover scheduled flights.

""Sadly, if these don't apply to you there's little hope of you seeing your money again so bear this in mind when you book your next flight or renew your travel insurance policy.""

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