ALERT: Holiday and honeymoon warning as major Irish travel agency closes suddenly

A major Irish travel agency has ceased trading with a warning issued to prospective passengers, according to the Irish Aviation Authority.

Platinum Travel, has who specialised in sun holidays, cruises and honeymoons, has ceased trading with a notice from the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) replacing their website homepage on Thursday, December 19.

The notice from the IAA reads: "The Irish Aviation Authority operates consumer protection schemes. You may be covered if you purchased a package from Platinum Travel Limited and this package includes travel departing Ireland. You may also be covered if you bought travel only commencing in Ireland."

Customers with current bookings are advised to check with their airline and with their accommodation provider to see if their tickets and/or accommodation are still valid and have been paid by the travel agent.

"If their airline says they can travel and if you have established their accommodation has been paid for, they can proceed with their travel plans," the IAA says.

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"If their airline says they can travel but they have established that their accommodation is not paid for, they can:

a) proceed with their travel plans, pay for their accommodation themselves and then claim a refund of the original cost of their accommodation from the IAA

b) choose not to travel and claim a refund from the IAA," the statement continues.

Furthermore, it advises: "If their accommodation has been paid for but their flights are not valid, they can:

a) proceed with their travel plans, book and pay for their flight themselves and then claim a refund of the original cost of their flight from the IAA

b) choose not to travel and claim a refund from the IAA.

"If their airline says that they do not have a valid ticket and their accommodation is not paid, they cannot proceed with their original travel plans and they can claim their original costs back from the IAA.

What about customers currently abroad?

The IAA says it will be contacting any affected customers as necessary. If they are abroad and would like to speak to one of the IAA's advisors, they should call on +353-1-6031100 from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Refund Credit Notes

"If customers were issued with a Refund Credit Note from Platinum Travel Limited, they may be entitled to a refund from the Refund Credit Note scheme, if their booking was a package that included travel, departing Ireland."

How can customers make a claim?

"For customers who bought either travel alone or a travel package commencing in Ireland, a claim form is available here. Customers must submit their claim form within 120 days of the collapse of the business, Friday, April 18, 2025. The IAA will then assess these claims to determine the amount due to the claimant.

"Unfortunately, no other customers are covered by the schemes. If they are one of these customers, we advise them to look at the chargeback policy of their credit card/debit card provider and/or any insurance they may have in place."

Claim forms can be obtained at www.iaa.ie/claim-form