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What is ATOL protection?

The ATOL scheme (which stands for Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) is financial protection that protects you when you book a package trip that includes a flight. It is separate to travel insurance.

ATOL was introduced in 1973, as the popularity of overseas trips grew and it is run by us at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

If your travel company stops trading when you are abroad, we’ll help you to continue your trip by:

  • Assisting you to stay in your holiday accommodation, if possible.
  • Reimbursing you for any money you may have spent to replace ATOL protected parts of your trip, e.g car hire, transfers.
  • Arranging flights home, depending on the circumstance

It is important to check that the travel company you are looking to book with holds an ATOL. Check for ATOL – ATOL

When you purchase a holiday that is ATOL protected, you will receive an ATOL Certificate.

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Flights

  • If you book an ATOL protected flight, you will be sent an ATOL Certificate after making a payment. However, you will not receive a valid e-ticket in exchange for payment.
  • If you purchase an airline ticket from an airline or travel company and you receive a valid e-ticket in exchange for payment, the ATOL scheme does not cover this flight.
  • Your travel company should make it clear if your flight-only booking is ATOL protected before you book.

Booking with a travel agent

Travel agents often sell trips on behalf of other holiday companies.

For peace of mind, check which travel company originally created your package trip to see whether they are an ATOL holder. Check for ATOL – ATOL

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Exceptions to ATOL protection

Not usually, unless your trip is sold as a package and you receive an ATOL Certificate confirming this. If you purchased the flight element of your trip with an ATOL holder, this part may be protected.

Travel agents often act on behalf for a number of companies, including ATOL holders. When you book an ATOL protected trip with an agent, it must tell you which ATOL holder is protecting your travel plans, and provide an ATOL Certificate when you pay.

If you book just a flight, they must either issue you with a ticket straightaway or confirm your ATOL protection.

Yes. Your travel company must find you alternative flights or refund your money.

If your return flight is cancelled while you are on your trip, they must book you onto an alternative flight.

LTA’s are formed when a business sells two or more travel services (e.g. a flight and hotel booking) as separate items.

As an LTA does not constitute a package it does not, need to be protected under ATOL. However, an LTA may include an ATOL protected element within it, such as an ATOL protected Flight-Only or an ATOL protected flight inclusive package.

If a travel business offers LTAs, it must inform you that this is the case and what protection you may have.