Abta has announced an extension to the expiry date of Refund Credit Notes (RCNs) for non-flight packages it protects.
The association confirmed the extension today, noting that Abta-backed RCNs which have already been issued are valid only until the expiry date shown on them which is March 31 this year.
But new RCNs will be valid up to and including September 30. The deadline for issuing these is March 31.
The move brings Abta into line with the CAA and Air Travel Trust which announced yesterday that Atol-protection of RCNs for cancellations due to Covid-19 can be issued up to March 31, with an expiry date of September 30.
In a statement, Abta said: “The aim is to ensure members have the option of issuing further Abta-protected RCNs given significant travel restrictions are still in place.”
The association noted: “RCNs work because customers are prepared to accept them as an alternative to an immediate refund and have confidence they will not ‘lose out’ in the long run.
“Maintaining the financial protection which backs RCNs is critical to keeping consumer confidence in them, and so that financial protection must be in place for the duration of an RCN’s validity.”
John de Vial, Abta director of membership and financial services, said: “We have been speaking with the CAA about the importance of travel businesses having the option to offer customers a Refund Credit Note beyond the end of January, so we’re pleased they responded to our calls and extended the deadline this week.
“At the same time, we’ve also been looking at our own Refund Credit Notes, which were valid until the end of January or March this year.
“Members will now have the option to issue Refund Credit Notes until the end of March with an expiry date of September 30, 2021.
“Hopefully this will help to ease some of the pressure on members at this very difficult time, and will help to support consumer confidence.
“Full details, along with the criteria, can be found in the Abta Member Zone.”
Abta will host a Refund Credit Notes webinar on February 4 at 10.30, for which it will confirm details shortly. The webinar will be free to attend.