With the collapse of the UK's third largest tour operator, XL, Rochelle Turner from Which? Holiday offers advice on how to guard against being left high and dry

'With yet another tour operator collapsing and leaving thousands of Britons stranded overseas or at UK airports, it's really important that people take steps to ensure they are protected should a similar incident occur in the future,' says Turner.

'If you pay for your flight with a credit card, Visa debit card or book it as part of a package holiday then you shouldn't have any problems getting your money back.

'The same applies for people who book through an ATOL bonded travel agent or operator. You may even be covered by your travel insurance as some policies cover scheduled flights.

'Unfortunately, if these don't apply to you there's little hope of you seeing your money again so bear this in mind when you book your next flight or renew your travel policy.'

How to get your money back if...

You paid for your flight with a credit card
If you paid for your flight with a credit card then you can claim the money back from your card provider under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This covers all purchases from £100 to £30,000.

Your flight was part of a package holiday or booked through an ATOL bonded agent
If your flight was part of a package holiday then you can claim the money back from the tour operator you booked through. If you have been left stranded by the cancellation of your flight, then it is the tour operator's responsibility to make alternative arrangements for you.

You have travel insurance
Check your policy as some cover the loss of scheduled flights.

You paid for your flight with a debit card
If you paid for your flight using a Visa debit card then contact your current account provider. They will then attempt to recover the money for you.