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Black Friday

Last year a total of 6,640 reports of holiday fraud were made to Action Fraud with holiday makers losing a combined total of £12.3 million.

Recent data shows that Brits are planning on spending, on average, £2,525 each of their hard-earned cash on their next summer holiday, so the UK Civil Aviation Authority, which runs the ATOL scheme, is urging consumers to use its ‘Check an ATOL’ tool to make sure their holiday provider has an ATOL Licence.

Michael Budge, Head of ATOL at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:

“In the run up to Black Friday, we are encouraging people to research thoroughly before booking their next holiday, as there can be a risk of getting caught out by hidden costs and extras, or potentially booking with fraudulent companies.

“We urge consumers to check for ATOL protection, book by credit card where possible and take out travel insurance to offer layers of financial protection for their next package trip.”

Our top travel tips for Black Friday

Before paying, you should always check that your travel provider is a legitimate ATOL holder and check that the trip is financially protected by ATOL.

Using a credit card should allow you to benefit from enhanced purchase protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, if your purchase is between £100 – £30,000.

It’s important to check there are no hidden costs in the terms and conditions or your bargain price could soon start to rise. Before booking your trip, don’t forget to check:

  • Does it include baggage allowance?
  • Is the travel company based in the UK?
  • Is there any flexibility in the booking?
  • Do other travel companies offer the same price?

Travel insurance can provide extra protection if your trip doesn’t work out quite as you intended. It can protect you from range of mishaps from cancellations, missed transport and medical emergencies.

What is the ATOL scheme?

Woman standing with a suitcase and holding her passport against a yellow background

The ATOL scheme (which stands for Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) is a financial protection scheme that protects you when you book a package trip that includes a flight.

Separate to travel insurance, the ATOL scheme steps in to protect passengers if their holiday company ceases to trade, assisting them to get home if they are already abroad or allowing them to make a claim for a refund if they are yet to travel.