Kiss Flights Ceases Trading - Advice and Information

Summary: Budget travel company Kiss Flights, owned by parent company Flight Options Ltd., announced it's collapse on Wednesday 17 August.

Who will be affected by the collapse?

The collapse of Kiss Flights, which sold flights to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, and the Canary Islands, will cause uncertainty for an estimated 70,000 passengers holidaying in those locations.

What should I do if I booked with Kiss?

The CAA has released the following advice for any affected passengers:

• Call the Civil Aviation Authority on 00 44 161 444 5811 for the latest information
• Do not travel if you have made a booking after 1800 BST on Wednesday 18 August, but rather make a claim for a refund from the CAA
• Go to the CAA website to find out how the Atol scheme applies to you
• Seek advice from your respective travel agent about alternative travel arrangements

What will happen to Kiss Flights Customers?

The CAA has stated that any Kiss travellers that are currently abroad will be returned home as per normal. Furthermore, anyone due to travel before 1800 BST on Wednesday 18 August is guaranteed their flight out and back home without any disruptions.

According to the CAA, the vast majority of Kiss passengers with bookings will receive a refund. This applies in particular to people who are Atol (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) protected. The Atol scheme is run by the CAA and offers financial protection to holidaymakers.

What led to the demise of Kiss Flights?

Kiss Flights is the 13th travel firm to collapse in the UK this year. Gary Ash, the chief executive of Flight Options which traded as Kiss Flights, blamed the volcanic ash disaster, the collapse of Goldtrail, and negative publicity for this unfortunate event. According to the company's last annual results filed for the year ending October 31 2009, Kiss Flights had made an operating profit of £500,000.