{March 31, 2010}  VICTORIA, BC - Consumer Protection BC is aware of recent media stories announcing that Skyservice Airlines Inc. has filed for receivership and shut down its operations effective Wednesday March 31, 2010. Skyservice Airlines Inc. flies on behalf of other tour operators from Canadian airports to sun destinations across the Caribbean. As of Wednesday morning Skyservice Airlines Inc. website has not confirmed or denied these media reports.

Consumer Protection BC proviides the following tips to consumers in these situations:

If you are concerned that you will not be receiving your travel services and you booked through a travel agency, contact the agency for assistance with alternate travel arrangements. Consumers are also encouraged to contact the airline direclty for further informtion on flight status and monitor the airline website for new information.

If you do not receive your travel services and:

• booked with a travel agency, contact the agency for assistance with a refund. If you paid the travel agency using cash or cheque they may be able to provide a refund to you direclty.
• purchased travel services with a credit card, call or write to the credit card company to determine if the charges can be reversed.
• purchased separate travel insurance, call the insurance provider to see if it will cover the costs of the undelivered services.

If you are unsuccessful in getting a refund and booked through a licensed BC travel agent, you may be eligible to claim under BC’s Travel Assurance Fund for the services not provided. The 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 Fund provides compensation for consumers who did not receive the contracted travel services they purchased through a BC licensed travel agent.

To be eligible to claim against the Travel Assurance Fund, consumers must:

• have booked through a licensed BC travel agent or wholesaler.
• have proof that they have not received a refund from another source.
• ensure that all relevant documentation is included in their Travel Assurance Fund claim form.
• submit their claim within six months from the date the travel services were not received.

There’s a lot to know about the Travel Assurance Fund and eligibility. For questions about the Travel Assurance Fund, please contact Consumer Protection BC at 1-888-564-9963.