Skyservice Airlines has been placed into receivership by an Ontario Court. Skyservice Airlines operated charter flights to various destinations on behalf of Ontario tour operators which were sold as part of packaged holidays (air and accommodations) by travel agencies.
Skyservice is an airline and as such, is not registered with TICO. However, there is consumer protection available under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 and its Regulation. Registered Ontario tour operators (travel wholesalers) who packaged Skyservice flights or sold air only with Skyservice are required under the legislation to provide alternate replacement travel services or a full refund to the customer.
Consumers who are affected by the closure of Skyservice should contact their travel agent for information with respect to any alternate travel arrangements or to obtain a full refund.
"By law, all travel agencies and tour operators operating in Ontario must be registered with TICO," says Michael Pepper, President of the Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO). "When you purchase your travel services through an Ontario registered travel agency, you are protected by the consumer protection provisions found under the Travel Industry Act, 2002."
"The failure of Skyservice Airlines drives home TICO's message that the best way for consumers to protect themselves, whether booking online or at a travel agency, is to deal with an Ontario registered travel agency," says Pepper. TICO encourages consumers to Always Look Before You Book. Look for the TICO logo and the TICO registration number whether online or in person. If you are not sure whether a travel agency is registered, go to TICO's website at www.tico.ca and use the Travel Agency Search feature or contact TICO at 1-888-451-TICO.
Formed in 1997, TICO is a not-for-profit corporation wholly financed by Ontario-registered travel agents and wholesalers. It administers the Travel Industry Act, 2002 and the Ontario Travel Industry Compensation Fund. TICO may be contacted at (905) 624-6241 or 1-888-451-TICO. Visit TICO's website at www.tico.ca or email TICO at tico@tico.ca.
