Why has Thomas Cook’s collapse led to price hikes?

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A reader lost her trip to Lanzarote when the tour operator ceased trading (AFP/Getty)

Q I booked a flight from Bristol to Lanzarote for March 2020 with Thomas Cook, which I have now lost (and am claiming from my credit card, hopefully). My query is: other airlines have now hiked up their prices ridiculously. Is this legal? It seems to me that they are preying on the victims of the Thomas Cook problem. Also should I rebook as soon as possible or wait to see if another carrier takes over in Bristol and/or if prices come down?

Barbara H

A Aviation can seem a harsh industry. Within minutes of the collapse of Thomas Cook, fares on its surviving rivals ratcheted up, just as they are designed to do when demand surges.