Hays Travel to take on Freedom bookings

While Freedom’s 155 agency members operated independently of Cook, they were placed in liquidation – together with the operator – on Monday (23 September) following Cook’s collapse.

Hays will handle all bookings made up to 22 September. Its assistance, however, will not extend to Freedom’s homeworking division, Freedom Personal Travel Advisors, TTG understands.

A CAA spokesperson told TTG: “I can confirm the CAA has appointed Hays Travel Ltd Atol 5534 to act as its fulfilment partner in respect of bookings made under the Freedom Travel Group Ltd Atol 6042 up to 22 September 2019.

“Hays Travel is a long standing Atol holder and a CAA approved accredited body.”

Freedom members have complained of a lack of information following the collapse of Cook, and have raised concerns over whether commission will be paid.

A group of Freedom agents have banded together form a taskforce to deal with the fallout from the Cook situation in an attempt to "save" their businesses.