Is Your Holiday Protected? Understanding ATOL Claims

Booking a holiday is exciting, but what happens if the company goes bust? ATOL protection exists specifically for this scenario. Here's everything you need to know about protecting your holiday money.

What Is ATOL?

ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser's Licence. It's a UK government-backed scheme run by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that protects your money when you book package holidays that include flights.

What ATOL Covers

If you book an ATOL-protected holiday and the company fails:

Before you travel: Full refund of money paid
While you're abroad: Arrangements to finish your holiday and get home
Alternative accommodation if needed while overseas

What ATOL Doesn't Cover

Flights only (just the flight, no package)
Accommodation only
Holidays without flights (cruise-only, coach tours)
Bookings with overseas companies not licensed in the UK

How to Check ATOL Protection

The ATOL Certificate

When you book an ATOL-protected holiday, you should receive an ATOL Certificate. This confirms:

Your booking is protected
The company's ATOL number
What's covered (flights, accommodation, transfers)

Always ask for this certificate. If a company can't provide one, your booking may not be protected.

Check the ATOL Register

You can verify any company's ATOL status at: caa.co.uk/atol-protection

Search by company name or ATOL number to see:

If they're currently licensed
How many passengers they're licensed to carry
Any previous issues

Types of ATOL Protection

Standard ATOL

Traditional package holidays with flights arranged by one company.

ATOL for Agents

Travel agents who sell packages from ATOL holders - look for the "ATOL protected" logo.

Flight-Plus

More complex arrangements where you book a flight and add accommodation or car hire within a day of each other.

Making an ATOL Claim

If a company with your booking fails:

Step 1: Check Failure Announcements

The CAA publishes information about failed ATOL holders at caa.co.uk

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

You'll need:

ATOL Certificate
Booking confirmation
Payment receipts/bank statements
Passport details
Ticket information

Step 3: Submit Online

Claims are made through the ATOL website. You have 12 months from the failure date to claim.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

The CAA aims to review claims within 28 working days. Complex claims may take longer.

Step 5: Receive Your Refund

Refunds are paid directly to your bank account or credit card if that's how you paid.

ATOL vs ABTA

People often confuse these:

ATOL

ABTA

Government scheme	Trade association
Covers flight packages	Covers other holidays
Mandatory for licence	Voluntary membership
Run by CAA	Run by travel industry

You might have both. A travel company can be ATOL-licensed AND an ABTA member.

ABTA Protection

ABTA covers:

Package holidays without flights (cruises, coach tours)
Accommodation-only bookings with ABTA members
Some flights through ABTA schemes

If your holiday doesn't include flights, check if the company is an ABTA member.

Additional Protection Layers

Credit Card Section 75

For bookings over £100 paid by credit card, you have extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Your card company is equally liable if the travel company fails.

Travel Insurance

Good travel insurance should include:

Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI)
End Supplier Failure cover
Cover for company failures not protected by ATOL

Warning: Basic policies may exclude supplier failure. Check the policy wording.

When Things Go Wrong

Company Fails Before You Travel

Check the CAA website for claim instructions
Don't try to rebook until you've confirmed protection
Gather all your documents

Company Fails While You're Away

The CAA's support service will contact you
Stay at your accommodation until contacted
Keep receipts for any emergency expenses
Return flights will be arranged

Company Fails After Your Holiday

Generally no claim unless you're owed money
Any outstanding credits or vouchers may be lost

Common ATOL Myths

"All holidays are protected" - Only packages with flights from ATOL holders.

"The flight is enough" - Flights alone aren't ATOL protected; you need a package.

"Small deposits are protected" - Your full payment is protected, including deposits.

"Non-UK bookings count" - ATOL only covers UK-based travel companies.

Checking Before You Book

Ask for the ATOL number before paying
Verify on the CAA website that the company is licensed
Get an ATOL Certificate with your booking confirmation
Pay by credit card for extra Section 75 protection
Check your travel insurance covers supplier failure

What If You're Not Protected?

If you book without ATOL protection and the company fails:

Try Section 75 (credit card purchases over £100)
Try chargeback (debit cards, within 120 days)
Check your travel insurance
Contact ABTA if the company was a member

Without protection, you may lose your money.

Take Action

Before booking any holiday with flights, verify ATOL protection. Use our tools to check your consumer rights and generate complaint letters if things go wrong.