Jetline Travel, a prominent UK cruise and budget holiday provider, has officially entered administration after 25 years in business, marking a significant shift in the travel industry landscape. Established in 2000 in London, the company ceased trading as an ATOL holder in March 2025, leaving thousands of holidaymakers in a precarious situation.
According to reports from TTG, financial recovery specialist Alan Clark and Neil Bennett from restructuring and insolvency firm Leonard Curtis were appointed as administrators on March 28, 2025. When a company enters administration, it is unable to meet its debt obligations, prompting the appointment of licensed insolvency practitioners who may either restructure the business or liquidate its assets.
This development likely signals the end for Jetline Travel, which over its quarter-century history facilitated holidays for hundreds of thousands of travelers. Notably, the firm also operated under several other names, including Bargain Late Holidays, Best Priced Holidays, Cruise and More, Elegant Getaways, Our Best Holidays, and Save on Sun, as reported by the Manchester Evening News.
In 2023, Jetline Travel reported a transaction turnover of £28.1 million and an operating profit of £655,000. However, the financial stability of the company was called into question earlier this year when it lost its ATOL status. This status is crucial as it provides financial protection to holidaymakers in the event that a travel company goes into administration.
With the loss of ATOL status, holidaymakers booking trips with Jetline Travel after March would not have the additional protection that ATOL offers. As a result, around 5,000 customers are estimated to be affected, with the majority of them having booked cruise holidays. Notably, cruises with major lines such as Princess, Cunard, and Holland America have been cancelled due to a breach of contract.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been proactive in advising affected customers. Earlier in March, they stated: "If you are currently overseas and you hold a scheduled flight e-ticket, the flight remains valid for the return journey." They further advised customers to check in with their airlines as per the existing flight tickets. However, the CAA also cautioned that bookings made solely for accommodation, non-flight packages, and cruise-only agreements without flights are not protected by the ATOL scheme.
In a follow-up clarification, the CAA highlighted that Jetline Travel acted as agents for other ATOL holders, meaning that certain bookings are not covered under Jetline's ATOL protection. Customers were advised to check their ATOL certificates to determine who is responsible for their trip and to contact that ATOL holder if they are still trading.
As the news of Jetline Travel's administration spread, many customers took to social media to express their frustrations. One affected customer shared their disappointment with the Mirror, stating, "Myself and three others have been affected by Jetline Travel going into administration. We had a package holiday booked for a cruise and stay in Hawaii, and we are in the process of trying to claim our money back. I am extremely disappointed as this was a special holiday for my 60th birthday and will have to wait until next year now before I can celebrate."
Another customer lamented, "Our holiday including cruise, flights, and hotels appear to have gone. Totally unable to contact Jetline." The emotional toll of the situation is palpable, as many had made plans and financial commitments based on their bookings.
Travel experts have stepped in to offer guidance on how affected customers can claim refunds for their cancelled trips. Alvaro Iturmendi, a travel insurance expert from Confused.com, emphasized that UK passengers have a legal right to claim back for cancelled flights, even if they were non-refundable. He noted that ATOL protection is designed to support those whose holiday provider goes into administration, covering package holidays, including flights, accommodation, and car hire.
"If the company goes bust before you travel, you can claim for a refund during the holiday. And if the company goes bust while you're already on holiday, the scheme ensures you can return to the UK," Iturmendi explained. He advised customers to check if their holiday is ATOL protected by looking for the ATOL certificate received at the time of booking.
For those unsure about their status, Iturmendi recommended speaking to the holiday provider directly. If protected, they should assist in recovering the costs of any cancelled flights or holiday plans. In some cases, alternative arrangements may be possible.
As the travel community grapples with the fallout from Jetline Travel's administration, an Advantage Travel Partnership spokesperson expressed their sorrow over the situation. Speaking to The Independent, they stated, "We are greatly saddened that Jetline Travel has ceased trading. They have been a highly valued member of the Partnership since 2015, and our thoughts are with their customers and staff who have been impacted."
The collapse of Jetline Travel serves as a stark reminder of the volatility within the travel industry, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As customers navigate the uncertain waters of claiming refunds and finding alternative travel solutions, the impact of this situation will undoubtedly resonate throughout the travel community for some time.
In summary, the administration of Jetline Travel has left thousands of customers in limbo, with many scrambling to understand their rights and seek refunds. While the CAA and travel experts provide guidance, the emotional and financial repercussions of this collapse will be felt by many for the foreseeable future.
