Written question asked by Gwyneth Dunwoody (Labour) on Monday, 5 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 July 2004. It was answered by Lord Darling of Roulanish (Labour) on Thursday, 15 July 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport;Scotland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make a statement on the consumer protection available to travellers by air who pay (a) with a credit card and (b) with a debit card if travelling on a scheduled airline.

Answer: Mrs. Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement on the consumer protection available to travellers by air who pay (a) with a credit card and (b) with a debit card if travelling on a scheduled airline. [182802] Mr. Darling: There is no statutory obligation for airlines to provide financial protection. Air travel organisers offering air travel packages or, in certain circumstances, seat-only flights have to hold an ATOL and secure a financial bond. The protection travellers enjoy when using a credit card in certain circumstances arises from the 1974 Consumer Credit Act rather than the ATOL scheme. The Act provides financial protection for purchases over £100 made using a credit card, but there are certain exclusions. There is no protection if the payment is made to an agent rather than directly to the airline, nor if payment is made on behalf of a third party such as a non-family member, nor in relation to groups of more than 19 people. There is no protection when a debit card is used.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 182802; 423 c1275W;423 c1275-6W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Consumers Aviation Credit cards Airlines Protection Payments Travel Debit cards
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk