Major UK travel company plunges into administration - in business for 26 years

Thousands of British holidaymakers were left facing disruption after a cruise and package holiday provider collapsed last year. Jetline Travel, based in Barnet, north London, ceased operating as an ATOL holder on March 6, 2025. The firm mainly sold cruise deals and low-cost package holidays as a travel agency.

The collapse serves as a reminder for holidaymakers to check whether their trips are protected under the ATOL scheme before booking. The company also traded under a number of different names, including Bargain Late Holidays, Cruise & More, Elegant Getaways and Jetline Cruise.

Several major cruise lines were affected by the collapse, including Princess Cruises, Cunard and Holland America Line - all owned by Carnival Corporation & plc - as well as P&O Cruises. Carnival confirmed in early March 2025 that it had cancelled bookings made through Jetline. At the time, the company said in a statement: "We recognise how disappointing this news will be for affected guests and express our sincere apologies for the disruption caused. This decision was not made lightly. Customers with affected bookings have been contacted directly by their cruise line to advise of their booking status and are encouraged to contact Jetline Holidays directly."

Passengers who had booked a P&O cruise through Jetline were urged to check their reservations directly with P&O Cruises.

The cruise line said it was "transferring all Jetline bookings directly to P&O Cruises where possible."

The Civil Aviation Authority runs the Air Travel Organisers' Licence (ATOL) protection scheme, which protects consumers when booking package holidays that include flights.

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Holidaymakers who book through an ATOL-protected provider should be able to claim a refund if the company goes out of business.

After Jetline ceased trading as an ATOL provider, the CAA said in a statement: "If you have an ATOL flight inclusive package booking and have been issued with flight tickets, the flights may be valid for travel, and you are advised to check with the airline. If the airline confirms you have a valid ticket for travel, you have the option to travel.

"However, other services have not been paid to the local suppliers, and you will be required to re-arrange and pay for these services again. To avoid any issues in resort, you should confirm the cost of all the services in advance of travel, where possible.

"If you choose to travel and use your valid flight, you are not protected under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 as your package travel provider has ceased to trade.

"You will therefore be responsible for any risks arising from each individual element of your trip which would have previously been protected."

The CAA advises holidaymakers to check if their trip is covered by the ATOL protection scheme before booking, as it provides financial protection if a travel company collapses.