ATOL - Protecting our guests
The law says your holiday must be protected if it is a package holiday.
ATOL (which stands for Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) is a UK financial protection scheme run by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and it protects most air package holidays sold by travel businesses that are based in the UK.
The scheme also applies to some flight bookings, usually those where you book flights (including UK domestic flights) but do not receive your tickets immediately.
ATOL first introduced in 1973, now protects around 20 million holidaymakers and travellers each year.
If a travel business with an ATOL ceases trading, the ATOL scheme protects consumers who had booked holidays with the firm. It ensures consumers can return home and do not lose their money.
The scheme is designed to reassure consumers that their money is safe and will provide assistance in the event of a travel business failure.
Travel Design Company Ltd is covered by ATOL (9580) and its clients are therefore protected under this scheme when they purchase air package travel or holiday
Funding and administration
The ATOL scheme is funded by contributions from ATOL holders, who must pay into the schemes back up fund, the Air Travel Trust, for each person they book on a holiday.
This money creates a fund that is used by the CAA to ensure consumers either complete their holiday or – if they cannot get away – receive a full refund.
Your questions answered
What is ATOL?
ATOL is the UK's financial protection scheme and protects you when you book a holiday with a UK ATOL holder. It ensures you do not lose money or become stranded abroad if your ATOL holder collapses.
ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser's Licence and is backed by the UK Government.
The scheme was designed to cover charter flights and package holidays but has since been overhauled in 2012 and again in 2018 to keep pace with changes in the travel sector.
What are the benefits of ATOL protection?
ATOL stops you losing money or becoming stranded abroad if the travel business you booked with collapses:
If the business collapses while you are on holiday, the scheme will make sure you can finish your holiday and return home.
If the business collapses before you travel, the scheme will provide a refund or replacement holiday.
What situations does ATOL cover?
UK and European law says your holiday must be protected if you book a package. ATOL is a UK financial protection scheme and protection applies to most air package holidays sold by UK travel businesses. The law says your holiday must be protected if you book a holiday with a single travel firm that includes:
flights and accommodation (including a cruise), or
flights and car hire, or
flights, accommodation and car hire.
The scheme also applies to some flight only bookings - usually those where you book flights (including UK domestic flights) but do not receive your tickets immediately. This is most common with charter flights but can also apply to discounted scheduled flights or where you pay for flights in instalments.
Please note that ATOL does not apply to flights booked directly with scheduled airlines or to flights booked with airline ticket agents.
When does ATOL not protect flights?
If you purchase an airline ticket from an airline or travel business and you receive a valid ticket in exchange for payment, ATOL does not cover this flight sale.
How can I tell if my holiday is covered by ATOL?
UK and European law require travel businesses to financially protect their package holidays in the countries in which they are established. Businesses based in the UK provide their protection under the ATOL scheme.
You can also check to see if your booking is ATOL protected by:
Making sure you check for the ATOL logo on travel websites, brochures and advertisements. If you are not sure, ask your tour operator if they offer ATOL protection.
Make sure you are given an ATOL Certificate.
The law says you should be given a certificate to show if you are covered by ATOL as soon as you have booked and paid any money towards a holiday or flight.
It is important that you book your holidays with a reputable travel business. If you book with a non ATOL member then you will not be covered by ATOL protection.
I have been given an ATOL Certificate. What is it for?
Your ATOL Certificate is proof the holiday or flight you have booked is protected by ATOL. It explains what protection you have and what to do if your travel business collapses. Keep it somewhere safe and take it on holiday so you know how to make an ATOL claim if you need to.
What should I do if I do not receive an ATOL Certificate but think I should have?
We are confident the travel industry has implemented procedures and systems to issue ATOL Certificates as required by law.
However, if you do not receive a certificate and believe you should have done, first contact your tour operator or agent. Still unhappy? please email ATOL Certificates.
Should I book a holiday if the travel business cannot give me an ATOL Certificate?
UK and European law require travel businesses to financially protect their packages holidays in the countries in which they are established. Businesses based in the UK provide their protection under the ATOL scheme.
Look before you book. Check for the ATOL logo on travel company websites, brochures and advertisements. If you are not sure, ask your travel company tour operator or agent to tell if they offer you about ATOL protection.
Always check you will be given an ATOL Certificate before you book. It's your guarantee of protection. If your travel business says they cannot provide one, ask why and consider your options carefully before proceeding, because you will be booking at your own risk.
What happens if my travel business fails, but I don't have an ATOL Certificate?
UK travel companies are legally required to issue ATOL Certificates, this is your guarantee of protection. However, we consider all claims on a case-by-case basis.
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 business, but not as a package holiday.
You still have the same ATOL protection if the travel business you booked with fails. If one of the suppliers they have used fails, the travel business must make alternative arrangements for you.
My ATOL Certificate says “Package – Multi-contract” on it. What does this mean?
Multi-contract Packages are those where you have more than one contract for all the travel services that together are part of the package
You still have the same ATOL protection if the travel business you booked with fails. If one of the suppliers they have used fails, the travel business must make alternative arrangements for you. You also benefit from the same rights with the package organiser if something goes wrong.
My travel business has charged me an ATOL protection contribution (APC). What is this?
ATOL is funded by travel businesses, which are required to pay £2.50 per consumer into a central ATOL fund. This money is used to allow consumers to complete their holidays or issue refunds should a travel business collapse. The Travel Design Company Ltd does NOT pass on the cost of this to its clients
