{July 26, 2010}  The following are common travel-related questions that Consumer Protection BC receives from consumers through our Inquiry Centre.

1.  I’m thinking of booking a trip and I want to find a BC licensed travel agent.

All travel agents and wholesalers operating in BC are required to be licensed by Consumer Protection BC.  Please use the search feature on our website to find a licensed BC travel agent.  If you come across an unlicensed travel agent, we encourage you to report it using our Compliance Assistance Form.

2.  I purchased a trip for my family but did not get it because the airline went out of business.

If you booked the travel with a BC licensed travel agent, you may be eligible to claim against the Travel Assurance Fund (TAF).   You must first try to get a refund from other sources such as your credit card provider, insurance company and travel agent.   You can only claim for the cost of the travel services you paid for and didn’t get.  You may also be eligible to claim to the fund if the travel agent you booked your travel through goes out of business.

Here are some of the items that are not covered by the TAF:

• Gift certificates, damage deposits or unused credits
• Dissatisfaction with the quality of service such as poor accommodations, the occurrence of natural disasters, pandemics or bad weather, or other circumstances beyond the control of the travel supplier
• The cost of alternative or replacement services
• Top up insurance payments related to health, baggage or trip cancellation

Claims must be submitted within 6 months from the date the travel services were not provided.  There’s a lot to know about the TAF and eligibility. Please read through our information about BC’s Travel Assurance Fund on this website.

3.  I purchased travel services and when I cancelled I couldn’t get my money back, what can I do?

It’s always unfortunate when you have to cancel a trip.  We advise that you check the cancellation terms and conditions to see if you have any options.  You can also and contact your insurance provider if cancellation insurance was purchased.  Unfortunately, any travel services that are not provided due to you cancelling a trip are not eligible for payment from the TAF.  

If you have a question about your rights and responsibilities, please contact the Consumer Protection BC Inquiry Centre toll free at 1-888-564-9963 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Consumer Protection BC: We are a not-for-profit corporation that was created to strengthen consumer protection in BC and enforce consumer protection laws. We balance the interests of all parties to promote a marketplace that is fair for both BC consumers and businesses. We license and inspect specific industries, respond to inquiries through our inquiry centre, investigate alleged violations of consumer protection laws, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities under the law.