p20 columnist 16/9/08 15:44 Page 20
ttglive.com
commentnews
Mike Pearse ITV News
“Many take the ‘it won’t
happen to us’ attitude.
Cheap deals aren’t so cheap
when you’re left stranded”
T
his past week has been a nightmare You would simply fill in a checkable policy
for so many travellers. First, tens of number when you book on the internet, for
thousands were stranded by the fire in example. No number and you cannot book.
the Channel Tunnel, then came the The current system is complicated and
devastating news about XL. confusing, with refunds depending on who you
This is not the first collapse of an airline and booked with and what card you paid on.
travel company in the current climate and it The government must see the XL crisis as a
will not be the last. Even some of the largest wake-up call and take action. But any new
airlines in the world have been close to the scheme would take time to get under way.
brink in recent weeks. In the meantime consumers must be made
With the credit crunch, the high price of oil, more aware of the consequences of what can
and the strong dollar and euro, the writing go wrong. Many save all year for their
is sadly on the wall for many more annual break in the sun. For them, too
companies and thousands of jobs. much is at stake to see it ruined.
But while the headlines scream out The problem is many just want it
“10,000 people stranded/lose money” cheap, and take the “it won’t happen
many have only themselves to blame. to us” attitude. Cheap deals are not
Time after time we’re warned to so cheap when you are left stranded.
book through a travel agent, use a The failure of airlines and travel
credit card and make sure we have the firms is bad for other reasons. It is
right insurance. Then if something bound to mean less choice and less
goes wrong we get our money back. It competition. With fewer airlines,
couldn’t be more simple. prices could rise even higher.
The problem is too many people But on the upside sensible pricing with
have the no-frills mentality: book it as more realistic fares could keep more
cheap as you can but then fall foul companies afloat. Last week one airline
when it all goes wrong. We’ve been to New York was charging £54 return
educated to hunt out the bargains, but before taxes. That cannot be realistic.
the consequences of what happens if Consumers in the long run may have to
the company you have booked with pay more or face the prospect of fewer
goes bust have been ignored. airlines and less choice.
It seems to me the idea of a £1 levy on At the moment it seems no one is winning
all flights and holidays to cover a failure like – unless you are in the business of being
XL would be the best solution. a receiver or hired to help sort out the
Another would be only allowing people to mess of companies that have gone bust.
book if they have insurance that includes
cover for companies that fail. Mike Pearse, transport correspondent, ITV News
20 19.09.2008
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