Have your holiday plans been hit by the Thomas Cook collapse this week? With hundreds of thousands of holidays cancelled, many customers are suddenly trying to find the cash to pay for new bookings at short notice or face missing out on a holiday.
We’ve already been talking to members who have been affected and are now helping out with affordable loans to help with booking alternative travel plans.
Co-op Credit Union member Mickala was one such member who suddenly found her forthcoming holiday plans in tatters with the sad news.
As Mickala told us – “I’ve spent 12 months saving up for our family holiday and we were scheduled to fly on Tuesday 1st October with Thomas Cook. Then, on Monday 23rd September, the news hit that Thomas Cook had ceased to trade.
Having spent the last two months listening to my two children getting increasingly more excited about their holiday, I found myself in the position where I may have to tell them we may no longer be going. My holiday is ABTA protected, but a refund can take up to 90 days. Meanwhile my time off from work is booked, and our suitcases are already half packed.
Holiday prices have now gone up with other travel firms taking advantage of the failure of Thomas Cook. With Christmas just around the corner, my savings at this time simply won’t stretch that far.
Thankfully, I’m a member of The Co-op Credit Union. I sent an email on the morning of Tuesday 24th September to ask to speak to a member of the team. Andy, the Operations Manager, emailed me back almost instantly and we discussed my options.
The Credit Union agreed a loan so I can book a replacement and when I receive the refund I can pay the balance off without any penalties for early settlement. I already save a healthy amount, so I don’t even have to increase the amount I pay into my Credit Union account.
I’m so grateful the Credit Union are there to help – especially under circumstances like mine”
Get in touch
If you’re a Co-op Credit Union member in a similar position to Mickala, we’d encourage you to get in touch with the team to discuss options.
- By supplying us with evidence of your booking with Thomas Cook, we can consider you for a flexible loan.
- Subject to approval, funds can be in your account the next working day.
- Once any refund you are due for your Thomas Cook holiday is processed, you can repay funds to part or fully settle your credit union loan balance with no early repayment penalties.
Phone number: 0345 602 3554
E-mail: credit.union@coop.co.uk
Or call in: 1 Angel Square, Manchester, M60 0AG.
Opening times:
9am to 4.30pm: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
10am – 4.30pm: Tuesday.
Guidance from the Money Advice Service for Thomas Cook Customers
