Advice to consumers - holidays
Information on booking holidays and what to do if things go wrong.
Advice and support for consumers in Solihull is now provided by Consumer Direct.
Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities in The West Midlands and by Government.
Consumer Direct works in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Advice Services offering first level advice and information on a wide range of consumer issues. More complex problems, or complaints requiring further investigation or assistance are referred to Trading Standards or other advice services
To speak to a Consumer Direct adviser, please call 08454 04 05 06. Opening hours are 8.00 a.m. and 6.30p.m. Monday - Friday or 9.00a.m. to 1p.m. on Saturdays. (Minicom users should call on 08451 28 13 84). To e-mail Consumer Direct, please Contact us via the Consumer Direct website.
A wide range of consumer information and advice is also available online from the Consumer Direct website at http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/
Booking a last minute bargain holiday - top ten tips
What's the price
In window displays, look out for statements like 'prices subject to change' or 'check with staff for holiday availability' printed on travel agent's window display cards. These statements - disclaimers- mean you can't rely on the advertised price as being correct. The price may have gone up, down, or the holiday may not even be available any more.
Travel Insurance
Make sure you have sufficient travel insurance. You do not have to buy the travel agents insurance, you can shop around for a better deal.
Using a credit card to buy the holiday
If the holiday costs over £100 but not more than £30,000, the credit card company may become jointly liable for any breach of contract (e.g. poor quality accommodation, misdescribed facilities, tour operator goes 'bust') as well as the business providing the holiday. See page detailing extra protection when credit cards).
- If you do not receive a satisfactory response from your first letter, write again ! State clearly what level of compensation you are willing to accept.
- If you are still unhappy, you may need to consider pursuing your claim for compensation through the ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) or the small claims procedure at the County Court.
ABTA offer an independent arbitration scheme which is on a 'document only' basis. More information can be found on the ABTA web site.
Alternatively, claims for £5,000 or less may be dealt with by the Small Claims Procedure at your local County Court. You can take your own case to Court. More information can be found on the Court Service web site. - If you feel that your holiday was falsely described, eg, the brochure stated that the hotel was air conditioned with a swimming pool whereas in fact it had neither, please contact Trading Standards.
Contact Details
Consumer Advice and Information in Solihull, is now provided by our partners at Consumer Direct West Midlands. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities (Trading Standards) and Central Government. If you do need support or assistance from Trading Standards, you will of course be referred to them by Consumer Direct.