Holiday Horror: 140,000 Tourists Left Stranded as Lowcostholidays Collapses!
Almost 140,000 holidaymakers face chaos after online travel agency Lowcostholidays suddenly went bust on the doorstep of peak travel season. The collapse hits hard, with 27,000 Brits currently abroad, and another 110,000 yet to jet off, according to administrators Smith and Williamson.
Flights May Still Fly, But Hotels Are Another Story
The good news? Most flight bookings should still be honoured, keeping many travellers in the sky. But the bad news hits hotel bookings square on. Customers with hotel reservations risk cancellations and no refunds.
The Lowcosttravelgroup, which also owns brands like Lowcostholidays Spain, Hoteling.com, and Lowcostbeds.com A.G., blamed a “recent and ongoing turbulent financial environment” after exhausting all rescue attempts.
Who’s Affected and What To Do If You’re Stranded
- Already on holiday? Your flights remain valid, but hotels or transfers may demand local payment—even if already paid. Keep receipts to claim back through your travel insurance or credit card provider.
- Booked but not travelled? Your flight reservations likely stand if you have confirmation. No flight details? Contact the airline immediately.
- Beware: Hotel stays and extras booked through Lowcostholidays are probably cancelled without refunds.
Those who booked package deals can try to claim compensation from the Spanish regulator, Govern de les illes Balears, via www.caib.es.
No ATOL and No ABTA – What It Means For You
Lowcostholidays moved its operations to Spain in 2013 and never held a UK Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL). This means UK government-backed flight and holiday protections don’t apply. The company is also not a member of ABTA, so British travellers can’t rely on this safety net either.
How to Claim Your Money Back
If you paid by credit or debit card, you might be able to get a refund through your card issuer under Section 75 or chargeback rules. Contact your bank or card company ASAP with proof of payment.
This story broke late Friday. We will update with more advice and developments on Monday.
