Thomas Cook customers await refunds

Thousands of Thomas Cook customers are still waiting to be compensated four months after the travel group collapsed, leaving 650,000 holidaymakers with worthless future bookings. Frustrated customers who have contacted Guardian Money alleged that chaotic administration at the private firm subcontracted by the Civil Aviation Authority has led to long delays and a lack of promised refunds. In October the CAA launched a refund programme for all Thomas Cook customers who had made future holiday bookings that were protected by the Atol scheme. He booked a September 2020 Florida holiday with Thomas Cook in April last year, but has been struggling for several months to get the scheme to refund his £500 deposit paid by credit card. Related: Thomas Cook and other colossal companies that collapsed (Lovemoney) A CAA spokesman said: “While more than 95% of people who have made a claim have now received their ATOL payments, we are sorry that some consumers have faced delays. We are continuing to work through this enormous operation as quickly as we can.” It said Chance’s claim had now been paid and blamed the delay on the fact that Thomas Cook had issued him with two booking reference numbers. More than £310m has been made in Atol payments to Thomas Cook customers, the largest amount paid out since its creation in the 1970s.