{August 28, 2008} VICTORIA, BC – The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) is advising consumers that Zoom Airlines has suspended its operations effective immediately. Zoom, based in Ontario, operated year-round scheduled services to Europe, as well as charter services to South America, Caribbean, and Southern United States destinations.

The Zoom website states that both Zoom Airlines Inc. and Zoom Airlines Ltd., the Canadian and UK airlines, will be filing for insolvency proceedings in their home countries today. The website also provides details of other airlines who operate the same or similar routes to those flown with Zoom in the hope that this may assist consumers in making alternative travel plans to replace the flights that they had booked with Zoom.

If consumers have booked their travel through a travel agency, the BPCPA recommends pursuing the following avenues to inquire into obtaining refunds:

1. If the trip was booked through a travel agent or wholesaler, ask them for assistance or to request a refund.
2. If they purchased travel services with a credit card, call or write to find out if they will reverse the charges.
3. If they have purchased insurance, contact the carrier to confirm their coverage.

If all of these options have been exhausted and the consumer booked through a licensed BC travel agent or wholesaler, they may be eligible to claim under the Travel Assurance Fund.

The BC Travel Assurance Fund, under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act and the BC Travel Industry Regulation, protects both consumers and travel agents licensed in British Columbia in their transactions. The Travel Assurance Fund (TAF) is a fund of last resort that compensates consumers who did not receive the travel services they purchased. Please note that the TAF doesn’t cover all situations, including the cost of alternate travel arrangements, gift certificates, unused credits, nor will it top up insurance payments. Consumers have up to six months from the date they did not receive the travel services to make a claim to the TAF. If your claim meets the eligible criteria, the BPCPA may be able to help.

Please call our Inquiry Centre toll free at 1-888-564-9963 for more information about the Travel Assurance Fund.