A significant number of holiday plans are now in jeopardy following the collapse of a prominent travel agency. Jetline Travel, a leading UK provider of cruise holidays and budget getaways, has recently gone into administration after 25 years of operation. The London-based company and its parent company, Jetline Cruise, ceased trading as an ATOL holder earlier this year in March. The situation has left thousands of travellers stranded and uncertain about the future of their bookings.
Upon its establishment in 2000, Jetline Travel quickly became a well-known player in the travel industry, offering a range of holiday options to customers across the UK. However, the company’s financial difficulties ultimately led to its closure, with administrators Alan Clark from Carter Clark and Neil Bennett from Leonard Curtis stepping in to oversee the administration process. The decision to enter administration typically occurs when a company is unable to meet its financial obligations, sparking concerns among customers and stakeholders.
Over the years, Jetline Travel facilitated holidays for hundreds of thousands of travellers, operating under various brand names such as Bargain Late Holidays, Best Priced Holidays, and Cruise and More. In 2023, the agency reported a transaction turnover of £28.1 million, underlining its significant presence in the travel market. The majority of the affected customers, estimated to be around 5,000 individuals, had booked cruise holidays through the company, exacerbating the impact of Jetline Travel’s closure on holidaymakers.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued guidance to affected travellers, particularly those currently abroad with scheduled flight e-tickets. While the CAA reassured passengers that scheduled flight tickets remain valid for return journeys, concerns were raised about the protection of various bookings under ATOL coverage. The CAA highlighted that certain bookings, such as accommodation-only or cruise transactions without flight components, may not fall under ATOL protection, potentially leaving customers vulnerable to financial losses.
In response to the situation, industry representatives expressed sympathy for the impacted customers and staff of Jetline Travel. The Advantage Travel Partnership, a leading travel association, acknowledged the challenges faced by those affected and extended support to mitigate the disruptions caused by the agency’s closure. The travel industry as a whole is expected to closely monitor the fallout from Jetline Travel’s administration and work towards assisting affected customers in finding alternative solutions for their travel plans.
The closure of Jetline Travel serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the travel sector, particularly in light of the ongoing uncertainties brought about by the global pandemic. As holidaymakers grapple with the repercussions of the agency’s collapse, authorities and industry stakeholders are urged to prioritise consumer protection and support to minimise the impact on travellers. The coming days will be crucial in determining the next steps for affected customers and the broader implications for the travel industry in the UK.