Next time you're booking your holiday, take a few minutes to check if you're holiday is ATOL protected. Without ATOL protection you could end up being stranded abroad or with a cancelled holiday having to re-book last minute at higher prices. If you book your own flights direct with an airline and book your hotel separately then there is no ATOL protection. Should the airline fail or something go wrong with the hotel you'll be left to your own devices. Travel companies who are part of ATOL pay in to central ATOL fund, specifically there to help you in case a problem arises. Have a read of our guide below and let us know if you have any questions. We'll be happy to help.
ATOL (Air Travel Organisers License) protects you when you book a holiday with most travel companies in the UK. It ensures you do not lose money or become stranded abroad if your travel company collapses. ATOL is also backed by the UK Government.
So what does that mean for me?
It means that when you book a holiday with a UK travel company, they ensure that you don’t lose the money you paid out or become stranded abroad if your travel company collapses. So you can relax and look forward to your break with total peace of mind.
What situations does ATOL cover?
ATOL protection applies to virtually any overseas air holiday booked with a UK travel company. The law says your holiday must be protected if you book a holiday with a travel company that includes:
- flights and accommodation (including a cruise), or
- flights and car hire, or
- flights, accommodation and car hire.
How can I tell if I have ATOL protecton
All overseas holidays booked with UK travel companies must be ATOL protected. If you are unsure check for an ATOL logo on the company website or head to the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) site and use the ATOL search option to check if your travel company is ATOL protected. If your agent is not ATOL protected themselves, ask them if they are booking with an ATOL protected supplier.
Either way you will be given an ATOL certificate for your holiday booking once you have paid any money towards your holiday.
Are Flight Only Sales Protected ?
If you are booking a flight from a travel company that issues tickets in-house and issue the tickets immediately then no ATOL protection is need as long as you receive the tickets the same day. This is because your tickets have been issued and even if the agent collapses you will be able to travel. Once you have your booking confirmation we recommend logging on to the airlines website with your reference to make sure everything is in order.
If your agent is buying through another supplier, takes a deposit or will issue the tickets on a later date then you should ask for an ATOL certificate, as the flight should be ATOL protected.
What is an ATOL certificate ?
An ATOL certificate is proof that a holiday or flight booked is protected by ATOL. It will explain in details who protecting your holiday (which travel company) and what is protected. It will also let you know what to do if your travel company collapses. You will need this if you need to make a claim so keep it safe.
If you don't receive an ATOL certificate, firstly ask your travel company where it is. If you are not happy with the answer contact the CAA on 020 7453 6700 or email them at advice@caa.co.uk
My ATOL certificate says ‘Flight-Plus’ on it. What does this mean
A Flight-Plus holiday is one where you have booked your flights and accommodation with the same travel company, but not as a package holiday. For instance, you request your travel agent to book flights and a hotel for you at the same time or within a day of each other. You still have the same ATOL protection if the travel company you booked with fails, and in some cases you may be able to continue with your travel arrangements. If one of the suppliers they have used fails, the travel company must make alternative arrangements for you.
My invoice has an ATOL Protection (APC) charge. What is this ?
ATOL is funded by travel companies who all have to contribute a £2.50 APC charge into the CAA's ATOL Fund. The money allows holiday makers to complete holidays or receive refunds in the event of a travel company collapsing. Travel companies have to pay this and incorporate it into the cost of the holiday but choose to show it separately on the invoice for your peace of mind.
This is not the same as travel insurance.
So now that you know we’re ATOL protected, you can feel safe & secure in placing your holiday bookings with us. Simply click HERE to get started.