{April 1, 2008} VICTORIA, BC – The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) is advising consumers that Aloha Airlines has shut down its inter-island and transpacific passenger flight operations effective April 1, 2008.

United Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are assisting Aloha’s passengers looking for alternative flight arrangements.

If consumers have booked their travel through a travel agency, they should pursue the following avenues:

1. Contact the travel agent or wholesaler they booked their trip through to ask 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.

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.