Why have atol

Every UK travel company which sells overseas holidays and flights is required to hold a license in case an operator ceases trading.

An ATOL license ensures that the customers will be looked after in case a company lets its customers down cancelling its holidays or leaves them stranded overseas. It can provide full refunds or ensure people are able to finish their holidays confident they will be able to return. ATOL cover means you are protected if you book a holiday with a single travel firm that includes: flights and accommodation including on a cruise , or flights and car hire, or flights, accommodation and car hire.

This is most common with charter flights and can also apply to discounted scheduled flights, but does not apply to holidays or flights booked direct with scheduled airlines or with airline ticket agents. Look for the ATOL logo on travel company websites, brochures and advertisements. If you are not sure, ask your travel company or agent for clarification.

Also, make sure you receive an ATOL certificate. ATOL also has its own online check facility. It is a legal requirement that the agency that you book with for travel will supply an ATOL certificate with the booking confirmation.

Check your certificate to see the specific circumstances e. If your travel company cannot provide an ATOL certificate, ask why. Remember every UK company must provide one. The Travel Convention. External events. Main navigation: Industry zone Save Future Travel. Become a Member. Become a Partner. Partner insights.

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Partner directory. When taking out travel insurance, look for comprehensive policies that include either end supplier failure cover or scheduled airline failure. These should protect you if one of your travel companies goes into administration — but, before you commit to a policy, read the terms and conditions carefully as some airlines, as an example, may be excluded.

If you can, pay by credit card to benefit from financial protection under section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. This says that if something goes wrong, such as your travel company going out of business, the card provider must take equal responsibility alongside the retailer. Therefore, if one of your travel companies goes bust, you could contact your card provider to claim your money back. You may even be able to claim for associated additional expenses you incur, such as a return flight home.

It also still applies if you just put the deposit on the card. Its 4,plus travel brands members must abide by its Code of Conduct and are protected financially should a company fail. These include coach and rail holidays, and even some other travel arrangements that are not packages.

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