MTA is looking to bring some certainty to Australian travellers, with the promise to cover any financial losses caused by insolvencies in the industry.
‘Zero Flight Risk’ was launched yesterday in response to the TCF’s demise seven months ago.
According to MTA’s Roy Merricks, since the Fund’s removal last year, there has been ‘uncertainty’ and a lack of clarity amongst Australians as to what happens to their money in the event of an airline or supplier going into bankruptcy.
MTA adopts the new policy – Don’t let your money travel without you.
Mr Merricks explained that there isn’t much protection on offer for travellers, and what is available doesn’t cover insolvencies.
Using Air Australia as an example, he said even in 2012 – when TCF was still in existence – some 4,000 passengers booked to fly with the airline were left stranded once it went bust.
He pointed out that even travel insurance and credit card policies don’t adequately cover passengers, while other agency contracts (he wouldn’t mentioned any names) absolve their responsibility once the supplier has been paid.
“With all this uncertainty and lack of clarity it’s not hard to see how confusing this is for customers.”
Roy Merricks, MTA Co-Managing Director
“At MTA we feel the need to assure our clients that their hard earned travel money is protected and they won’t be left stranded on their own.”
That’s where ‘Zero Flight Risk’ comes in.
MTA brand ambassador Jessica Watson joins the agency for the new campaign.
So what exactly is it?
‘Zero Flight Risk’ with the tagline, ‘Don’t let your money go away without you’, is a promise to clients that their money will be reimbursed in the event that any downline approved travel intermediary or end supplier becomes insolvent or unable to deliver the product or service.
Mr Merricks said there’s ‘no ifs, no buts’.
“With this piece of mind initiative, protection of MTA’s client funds from insolvency is 100 percent guaranteed.”
Roy Merricks, MTA Co-Managing Director
So how is MTA getting the word around?
The home-based agency will spread the word through MTA members as well as a new print and social media campaign.
There’s even a video explaining how travellers will benefit from the promise. It will be available shortly.