XL collapses leaving thousands of people, divers among them, stranded at airports with their holiday dreams disappearing fast and threats of more airline collapses right behind. Some 250,000 people have been directly affected by the collapse of XL and of these, 10,000 are expected to lose their holiday and their money. Nothing anyone can say can take away the bitter disappointment of your dive holiday being snatched away at the check out desk but here are a few tips to make sure you aren't caught out.

• Research your market. Rumours were circulating about XL for some time and a quick glance at its balance sheet showed that it lost a staggering £7.1 million last year.
• You will get your money back if you've booked through an ATOL affiliated company - check online at www.atol.org.uk
• If you are booking direct, use a credit card. Your card company will offer you some protection.
• Check your travel insurance. These vary hugely and may cover you for less than you think. It is possible to get cover in case of airline company failure but premiums are likely to skyrocket now.

If the worst comes to the worst and you find yourself facing a closed check-in desk, you just have to be very grown up about it and look at alternatives. Tensions are likely to be running high and there is no point in taking out your understandable frustrations on people who are powerless to change the situation.

• If you've taken time off work, talk to your company and explain the situation. They will probably be understanding and allow you to re-take your booked time off later in the year.
• If you are self-employed, contact customers and see if you can re-jig work to fill the gaps. Even if you turned work away or lost an order because you couldn't fulfill it, it is worth checking to get back to normal as soon as possible.
• Use the time to do all those little jobs you've been meaning to do at home but haven't had the time. Okay, so it is a poor substitute for a dive holiday but at least you can feel virtuous at acheiving something.
• Miss the queues and go mid-week diving at home. At least you'll still get wet.
• Book another one. It's important to have something to look forward to.

Sincerest commiserations to anyone who has suffered through this and here's to the next warm water diving. Salut!