Flight Centre South Africa, one of the largest, independent travel retailers, believes that Airline Failure Protection is a means to avert a crisis of this nature.
The last thing travellers want to think about when packing for their holidays is the likelihood of being stranded abroad when an airline goes bust. And given the current economic status around the globe, a situation such as this is possible.
When travellers book a flight with Flight Centre they are offered Airline Failure Protection at no additional cost. In short, this protection covers travellers if the airline they're booked on ceases operations due to insolvency or bankruptcy.
If a traveller is stranded owing to the bankruptcy or insolvency of an airline, Flight Centre will cover the cost of an alternative supplier for the leg of the journey affected by the airline failure. Or if passengers are yet to travel Flight Centre will provide either a full refund or find clients an alternative to the value of the initial ticket cost.
Executive GM of Flight Centre South Africa, Janine Salame, commented: "I believe this is a first for the travel industry in South Africa and a truly customer-focussed initiative."
This initiative is effective from 1 September, 2009 and will be offered to all Flight Centre, Student Flights, Flight Centre Active and Travel Associates passengers at no additional cost.
