ATOL is a financial protection scheme for holidaymakers managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
All travel companies selling air holiday packages and flights in the UK are required by law to hold a licence called an Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL), which is granted after the company has met the CAA’s licensing requirements.
Each ATOL holder is issued with a unique ATOL number, which can be checked on the ATOL website. ATOL carries out checks on the tour operators and travel organisers it licenses, and requires them to contribute to a financial guarantee scheme called the Air Travel Trust (ATT). This scheme provides the funds to protect customers should a firm fail. In some cases a licence holder will also provide a bond, which is lodged with the ATT and provides additional funds.
In the event of an ATOL holder’s failure, the ATOL Scheme ensures customers who paid and contracted with the ATOL holder for an air holiday package or a flight, do not lose the money paid over or are not stranded abroad.
YOUR FINANCIAL PROTECTION: When you buy an ATOL protected air holiday package from us you will receive a Confirmation Invoice confirming your arrangements and your protection under our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. In the unlikely event of our insolvency, the CAA will ensure that you are not stranded abroad and will arrange to refund any money you have paid to us for an advance booking.
For further information visit the ATOL website at www.atol.org.uk
