XL Airline failure

Chris Price, Head of Travel Insurance at Direct Line comments, "Airline failures are not covered by our travel policies and, as noted by the ABI (Association of British Insurers), most travel insurance policies do not cover these circumstances. However, Direct Line recognises that today's announcement from XL will undoubtedly cause a significant amount of inconvenience for customers. Therefore, our first priority is to provide assistance to our stranded customers via an Emergency Plan. This has been set up to help people who are not covered by ATOL or the consumer credit act and anyone who falls into this category should contact Direct Line as soon as possible to discuss their situation."

Tips and advice for customers

Customers that have booked a package holiday will be protected by ATOL and will be reimbursed so they should contact them in the first instance on +44 (0) 870 5900 927.

Customers that have booked a flight only on a credit card will also be protected, so they should contact their credit card provider for a refund.

Customers that are stranded should contact the CAA on +44 (0) 2891 856547.

Direct Line customers who are not covered by ATOL or by their credit card provider and are stranded should contact the emergency helpline on +44 (0) 870 241 4628.

Direct Line customers who have not yet travelled should contact the claims helpline on +44 (0) 845 246 0415.