Bluebird Holidays ceases trading

Tuesday, 19 Mar, 2002 0

Burgess Hill based tour firm Bluebird Holidays has ceased trading, the Civil Aviation Authority has announced.

Bluebird specialised in the sale of scheduled flights worldwide and package holidays to North America, Southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand. It also traded as Shongololo Express, Flights 4 Less, Florida Villas, Orlando Direct, Motorhomes Direct, Index Marketing, Consolidated World Travel, CWT, TCS, Travel Getaway, and Travel Vacations.

The CAA has called the company’s £1.5 million bond. All of Bluebird’s air customers are protected by ATOL which means the company’s customers abroad will be able to complete their holidays as planned. Customers who have booked scheduled flights without accommodation and have received their tickets will also be able to travel.

Air Namibia, British Airways, South African Airways and Virgin Atlantic have provided guarantees to the CAA so that they will honour flight-only bookings even where tickets have not been issued: Customers who have not yet received tickets should contact their airline first, or contact the CAA in the event of problems.

Customers who booked an air-inclusive holiday and have air tickets may need to pay again for accommodation or other facilities that were part of the package. They will be able to claim a refund for these costs, up to the total paid in advance for accommodation, from the CAA on their return. If they have not been sent any tickets, they will be able to claim a refund from the CAA.

Bluebird also sold flights and package holidays as a travel agent for other ATOL holders. Customers who booked flights or packages and hold invoices naming another ATOL holder should still be able to travel, and should contact the named tour operator as soon as possible.

The CAA’s Consumer Protection Group will be dealing with ATOL bond claims and claim forms will shortly be sent out automatically to all customers and travel agents. The claim form is also available on the ATOL website. The CAA will deal with queries during office hours on 020 7453 6350.