Although as an airline, Skyservice Airlines -- which ceased operations yesterday -- was not, as such, registered with TICO, officials report consumer protection is available under the Ontario Travel Industry Act. Registered Ontario tour operators who packaged Skyservice flights or sold air only with Skyservice are required under the legislation to provide alternate replacement travel services or a full refund to the customer. Consumers affected by the closure of Skyservice are being advised to contact their travel agent for information with respect to any alternate travel arrangements or to obtain a full refund. "By law, all travel agencies and tour operators operating in Ontario must be registered with TICO," says Michael Pepper, TICO president. "When you purchase your travel services through an Ontario registered travel agency, you are protected by the consumer protection provisions found under the Travel Industry Act, 2002." He added, "The failure of Skyservice Airlines drives home TICO's message that the best way for consumers to protect themselves, whether booking online or at a travel agency, is to deal with an Ontario registered travel agency." (http://www.tico.ca)