The Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association (SPAA) has called for an “immediate pause” in the implementation of the Atol reforms.
The association has written a letter to Westminster MPs asking for “substantive discussions involving all interested parties” to agree a more practical way forward for consumer financial protection.
The move follows the SPAA’s discussions with Abta and a survey of members which revealed a number of “anomalies and practical difficulties” in the government’s reform proposals.
In the letter, SPAA president Brian Potter said the reforms would “actually introduce greater risks of financial loss and disruption for travellers”.
He said a levy on every air-based arrangement, collected by all travel providers including airlines, would resolve the current difficulties with consumer financial protection.
The association has provided its members with a template letter addressing these issues to send to their MPs and MSPs before the consultation submission deadline of September 15.
SPAA political convenor Sandy MacPherson said: “It seems that the process, so far, has been little better than slipshod, and the only sensible course of action would be for implementation to be delayed until the various issues raised by the travel community have been considered and taken into account. When all is said and done, as things currently stand the travel community – and the consumer – deserve better.”
Brian Potter added: “We are working hard to hammer home with government the message that our alternative – a customer levy-based system – is not only fair but also meets its other declared objectives – clarity and transparency; the elimination of the Air Travel Trust Fund deficit, and an efficient fund replenishment mechanism. We must not lose this unique opportunity to achieve, once and for all, a coherent and sustainable financial protection system.”