What is atol protection? You may hear “ATOL protection” when planning your next holiday. But what does “ATOL protected” mean, and why is it important for you as a traveller? You can travel with peace of mind if you read this guide. It will answer these questions and help you understand about ATOL security.
What is ATOL protection?
ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. This financial protection scheme, run by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), covers most air package holidays offered in the UK. If a travel company with an ATOL goes out of business, the plan ensures you don’t lose money or get stuck abroad.
The history of ATOL
In the 1970s, package holidays became more popular before travel insurance became popular. However, British tourists could get stuck abroad or lose their money if their travel company went out of business before or during their trip.
That’s why the Civil Aviation Authority created the ATOL plan. In the UK, it is now the law that any travel company selling holidays that include flights must have a license. However, booking a flight with a regular airline won’t cover you.
Why is it important to have ATOL protection?
It would not be very good to plan the perfect holiday only to discover that the company that booked it has gone out of business. If you don’t have ATOL protection, you might have to go through the trouble and cost of changing your trip plans or even lose your money. When you have ATOL insurance, you’ll get help with:
- Before you go: If the tour company goes out of business before you leave, you’ll get your money back in full.
- Flight back home: ATOL will pay for your return flight if the company fails while you’re on holiday.
Why do you need an ATOL certificate?
An ATOL license shows that your holiday is safe. It should have a reference number and instructions on what to do if your holiday company leaves business before or during your trip.
After booking your holiday, you should receive your ATOL ticket immediately. If you can’t find it, the holiday company should help you.
What kinds of things does ATOL cover?
Usually, ATOL insurance will cover you:
- Package holidays that come with flights, rental cars, and accommodation.
- Holidays that include both flights and accommodation.
ATOL protects flight-only holidays sometimes, but not always. Before you book, it’s best to check with the service company.
ATOL doesn’t cover trips that aren’t part of your holiday package.
ATOL protection is like a safety net for your holiday company in case they go out of business:
- You can get your money back on the trip if the company leaves business before you go.
- What if the company leaves business while you’re on holiday? This plan will make sure you can get back to the UK.
It’s not meant to replace your trip insurance, though. ATOL only protects you if your holiday company goes out of business. Travel insurance looks out for you if you need medical attention while you’re away or if you lose your things.
What are ATOL and ABTA?
When you travel smart, you know all the safety nets you can use. Both ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) and ATOL are meant to protect tourists, but they do so in different ways:
- ABTA protection—ABTA covers train, cruise, and self-drive holidays. In addition, it protects bookings for accommodation.
- ATOL protection—As we already said, ATOL covers air package trips and some flight-only plans.
Simply put, ABTA protects holidays that don’t involve flying, while ATOL protects deals that do involve flying.
Does ATOL protection come with flight insurance?
ATOL protection differs from travel insurance; most plans do not cover it. Whether your trip is ATOL-covered or not, you should still get travel insurance. It’s better to have travel insurance than ATOL protection if your travel company goes out of business, but it is still helpful. Coverage for medical crises, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more are part of this. Having both gives you peace of mind and makes sure you’re ready for anything that might happen.
How can I tell if my holiday is ATOL-protected?
The Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL) is a program that protects travellers financially if the company they planned their trip with goes out of business. Our ATOL number is 3853.
If you book at least a flight and hotel package, the ATOL plan financially protects everything in the holiday package.
ATOL doesn’t cover travel insurance plans that don’t include a flight, and ATOL protection doesn’t cover flights that get cancelled.
After your booking has been processed and approved, you’ll receive an ATOL certificate explaining your protection. See our booking terms for more information on ATOL holiday security.
If we stopped doing business, the ATOL plan would ensure that any money you paid us would be returned to you, or if you were already on holiday, you would return home.
Explore the CAA website and read more about the ATOL certificate to learn more about the ATOL plan and what it covers.
Peace of mind with ATOL you expect from World Flight Vibes!
We care about your holiday. With our customer promise, we want to ensure you have a safe and fun break during these uncertain times. We can help you plan and Book ATOL Protected Flights from London to anywhere. We offer carefully chosen hotels with no hidden fees. Our support is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in case you need it. Good Vibes Only!
