Football fans are being of the dangers of booking trips without financial protection ahead of theChampions League and Europa League finals.
The Civil Aviation Authority today launches a campaign to ensure that supporters’ travel plans are not ruined by the actions of companies falsely posing as legitimate travel agents.
Tottenham and Liverpool fans are heading in Madrid for the Champions League final on June 1 while Chelsea and Arsenal supporters have to travel further to Baku in Azerbaijan for the Europa League final on May 29.
More than 40,000 tickets to the finals will be sold to English fans – 32,000 for the Champions League in Madrid and 12,000 for the Europa League in Baku.
Flights to Madrid are highly sought-after and transport to Baku in time for the final may involve transfers, trains, different airlines and potential stop-overs in Moscow, Istanbul and Izmir in Turkey.
Unlawful travel agents may use the urgency to pressure travellers into purchasing unlawful or fake package deals, the UK aviation regulator warned.
Supporters should book trips through travel operators protected by the Atol scheme alongside their tickets to the finals.
CAA head of Atol Andy Cohen said: “The dedication and support of football fans is without question. As some of the most passionate fans in the world, seeing four English teams in the European finals make these matches a once in a lifetime opportunity for some.
“If fortunate enough to get a ticket, it is essential that travellers check for financial protection before booking their trips.
“Using a reputable travel company is essential but, above and beyond this, it is vitally important that your travel company offers Atol financial protection when booking as a package.
