When you plan your trips, do you tend to use the services of a travel agent? While travel agents can make vacation planning a breeze, there’s also another big perk – access to the Travel Assurance Fund.
Booking your travel with a BC-licensed travel agent or wholesaler is a great way to ensure your travel plans are protected. If you paid for – and didn’t receive – travel you arranged through a BC-licensed agent or wholesaler, you may be able to get a refund through the Travel Assurance Fund (most of the time, this is when an airline, hotel, or travel agency goes out of business). Learn more about the Travel Assurance Fund.
If you are a BC-licensed travel agent, you have access to the fund too! Here are some tips for travel agents and wholesalers:
1. Share information about the Travel Assurance Fund with your clients
Booking through a BC-licensed travel agent or wholesaler is the ONLY way consumers have access to the Travel Assurance Fund. Don’t be shy – brag!
2. Check licensing status
If you’re purchasing travel services from another BC-based agent or wholesaler on behalf of a client, don’t forget they’re required to be licensed by Consumer Protection BC (a licence verification tool is available on our website).
3. Keep proof-of-payment documentation
Ask for (and keep!) proof of payment for the travel services you purchase from another BC-licensed travel agent or wholesaler. If the business doesn’t deliver the services and you have to purchase new tickets for your clients, you’ll need this information to make a claim to the Travel Assurance Fund.
For more details about the Travel Assurance Fund for both travel agents and travellers, including information translated into other languages, visit this page on our website.
ADDITIONAL READING:
Cruise control: how Joan’s vacation was saved by a travel agent
Bruce & Anne’s story: a happy ending to a great African adventure
Has bad weather delayed or cancelled your flight?
Travel insurance – the basics
Last year I was going to Belfast. Thought I was going on the 21 May for my niece wedding. I should have gone on the 20 th. Did not hear until the next morning from my travel agent I was a no show. British Airways canceled my flight both there and back was out 1600$had to book a new flight. Very upsetting nothing could have been done to get my money back. I had gone though Breast cancer with chemo so my head was a bit out of it . No insurgence for stupidity . Thought u would like to hear my story.signed Pensioner
Thanks for sharing your story, Bernie, and I’m very sorry. What a difficult situation!
Hi i wonder if my mother and step father paid in full for a cruise but he died two days prior if this fund could help give them a refund. The cruise agency denied refund or credit & kept $10,000.00 spent on cruise.
Thank you
Could this fund help my mother get refund for cruise they paid in full but two days prior step father died. The cruise company denied refund or credit.
Hi Maria, I am sorry for your loss. Regarding the Travel Assurance Fund, the fund is typically for when an airline, hotel or travel agency goes out of business. I’m afraid you may not have many options in your case. However, I may suggest contacting the credit card provider to see your mother will be able to get a charge-back. I hope this information helps, Maria.