FAQ
We have been inundated with party leaders asking about the status of their bookings and what their options are. Here is a distillation of our advice in the form of the most Frequently Asked Questions. Don’t forget, we are always available to discuss any questions you have, or to offer personal advice – don’t hesitate to call us
Q. I had a booking with Pinnacle, can I get my money back?
A. Yes. Pinnacle was a fully bonded operator so you can reclaim your money already paid. This can be a lengthy process, but we can guide you through it
Q. We still desperately want to enjoy a trip with our group – what are our options?
A. The important thing to remember is that under the ATOL scheme you can REASSIGN your booking to another bonded operator. This will mean that eventually ATOL will transfer monies paid to the new operator. You need to check that any chosen operator will be happy to wait for this payment, without asking you to pay again.
Q. Who decides which operator we can assign our booking to?
A. YOU DO. It is your choice what to do with your booking. Vision Travel has not bought your booking, only some of the assets of Pinnacle. This is your choice to re-evaluate your plans and consider the many options available
Q. Is it too late to make alternative arrangements?
A. No.Skiclass has many options currently on hold, including flight and hotel arrangements for the Feb half term and Easter to all of the main destinations. We can discuss the many options and alternatives available, as well as looking to provide a tour exactly as previously planned.
Q. How should I choose a reliable operator – after all Pinnacle were fully bonded?
A. You are absolutely correct in choosing a bonded operator – it is this bonding that means that your funds are protected. There are however a number of other important considerations.
Financial Security - whilst a bonding arrangement protects you when things go wrong, the financial security of a business suggests how likely this is. Skiclass is part of TUI Travel plc. the world’s largest leisure travel company, with a balance sheet of around £2 billion! It’s worth making similar enquiries before you commit to any other operator.
Commitment to school travel. Skiclass is a proud member of the School Travel Forum. Members of the STF have to adhere to the very highest standards of operations as you would expect of a school travel specialist. This means that every possible aspect of Health and Safety auditing, staff training and supplier selection is all done with school groups in mind.
Specialist knowledge and a specialist operator. We all know that the requirements of a school trip on a ski tour are unique, challenge and crucially important. You need to choose a business that has a long pedigree, with the entire infrastructure and supplier network in place, to deliver the trips you deserve.
Q. We already had flights booked through Pinnacle Travel, what will happen to these?
A. We are currently awaiting guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority, who manage the ATOL Scheme. They will look at the factors surrounding Pinnacles move into Liquidation and advise accordingly. We will post their advice on this site.
Q. What do I need to tell the parents of the pupils planning to travel?
A.The recent news has probably caused some concern amongst pupils and parents. We would advise that at this stage you keep the message straightforward.
1) Don’t worry your money is protected and we are working to sort out the trip.
2) We are in discussions with specialist operators about the options available.
3) We are confident of making alternative arrangements so the trip can go ahead as planned.
We hope this helps – please call us on 01273 647 230 if there is anything else we can do to help.
