Jetting off on holiday is exciting, but it’s important to remember there are some risks that come with travelling. That’s why schemes like ATOL and ABTA exist.
We explain what ATOL and ABTA protection is, and how these schemes can protect you on your next trip.
What is ATOL protection?
ATOL stands for Air Travel Organisers' Licensing, and is a government-backed scheme that was introduced in 1973.
ATOL makes sure travellers aren’t stranded abroad or lose money if their tour operator or travel agent goes out of business before or during their trip.
It usually applies to package holidays, which is when you book flights, accommodation and even car hire through one provider.
It can also apply to some providers who sell flight-only packages, but not usually.
When you book with an ATOL-protected company, you should get an ATOL certificate, which you can use if you need to claim.
Are all travel operators ATOL-certified?
In the UK, travel companies who advertise and sell package holidays legally have to be ATOL-certified. That includes tour operators, travel agents and more.
I only booked a flight. Am I protected by ATOL?
Flight-only purchases usually aren’t covered by ATOL.
For example, if you’ve booked a flight with an airline that isn’t part of an accommodation package, it’s unlikely that the flight itself is covered by ATOL.
For protection against flight cancellations, long delays or lost luggage, travel insurance can come in handy.
What is ABTA protection?
ABTA stands for the Association of British Travel Agents. It’s a well-known organisation but isn’t government-backed or a legal requirement.
It also gives financial protection to holiday-goers if the UK-based organiser they booked with runs into financial issues, either before or during their trip.
Unlike ATOL, ABTA only covers holiday packages that don’t include flights, such as:
- cruises
- coach trips
- railway journeys
ABTA also handles disputes if the company you booked your trip with breaches your contract.
To get this protection, the company you book with needs to be an official ABTA member.
How do I know if a company is ABTA-protected?
You can check on ABTA’s website if a travel company is a member. Travel companies can choose to become an ABTA member but they don’t have to be one.
Unlike ATOL-protected trips, you probably won’t get an ABTA certificate after you've booked your trip.
ABTA has a useful page that lists issues they can and can’t help with.
Am I covered by ATOL or ABTA?
Before booking a holiday, make sure you check if the organiser you’re booking with is protected by ATOL or ABTA. They should make it clear on their website or adverts.
If you’re unsure, ask your travel agent or get in touch with the customer services team to check.
You don’t have to book a holiday with an ABTA member, but it can protect you if the organiser goes bust or breaks their contract with you.
Are ATOL and ABTA the same as travel insurance?
No. ATOL and ABTA don’t offer the same features as travel insurance.
ATOL and ABTA only come into play if your holiday organiser goes bust before or during your holiday.
It doesn’t cover any of the things that travel insurers often do, like cancelled flights, medical expenses or lost luggage.
How do I use my ATOL or ABTA protection?
If the travel organiser you’ve booked with goes bust before or during your holiday, you’ll need to make a claim with ATOL or ABTA (whichever scheme protects the organiser you booked with).
You can get help with travelling home, claim money back or both.
Making an ATOL claim
To make an ATOL claim, you’ll need your ATOL certificate that you got when you booked your trip. This has a unique reference number for you to use.
ATOL’s dedicated claims hub has all the information you need to make a claim, including how to work out if you’re eligible.
They also have a list of the most recent travel companies to go out of the business.
Making an ABTA claim
You can either file a claim or a dispute with ABTA.
Filing a claim – you can do this if the travel organisation you booked with went out of business before or during your trip. Head to ABTA’s claims page to get things started.
Raising a dispute – this is for when you think the travel company you booked with has breached the contract you have with them, but they’re still in business. Check out ABTA’s how-to page before you raise a dispute.
My trip doesn’t have ATOL or ABTA protection. What do I do?
If you’ve already booked the trip and your travel organiser goes bust, you may not be able to get your money back.
This is why it’s important to make sure you’re booking your holiday with a travel organiser that’s an ATOL or ABTA member.
If you’re dealing with a holiday organiser that’s gone bust and isn’t protected by ATOL or ABTA, there are a few things you can try:
- Check your travel insurance: You may not be able to get all the money back for your trip, but it’s worth checking your travel insurance policy to see what you’re covered for. It may be able to help with things like cancelled flights or accommodation.
- Talk to your credit card provider: Try getting in touch with your credit card provider too, as they may be able to offer you some support under Section 75.
Check out our guide to learn more about getting your money back after travel disruption.
