Abta has issued a double warning to agency members in light of tightening oversight by regulatory authorities.
The association repeated previous notices to members to use the correct wording in statements to consumers about financial protection, and to issue the correct receipts.
The latest issue of Abta Today warns: “Travel agent members should not make statements such as, ‘We are fully Abta bonded’ or ‘All travel services are protected under our Abta bond’.”
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Department for Transport have said they intend to tighten all aspects of agency documentation to consumers as they seek to extend financial protection to so-called dynamic packages.
Abta Today states: “Members are again reminded that they must give accurate information to customers. Most agents will sell some travel arrangements that are not covered by Abta bonding or other protection, such as seat only from scheduled airlines or hotel accommodation from unbounded bed banks, and it’s therefore incorrect to suggest all sales are protected.”
It advises agent members to use the following wording: “We are a member of Abta which means you have the benefit of Abta’s assistance and code of conduct. Many of the travel arrangements that we sell are protected in case of the financial failure of the travel company. Please ask us about the protection that applies to your booking.”
In a second warning, Abta advised agents to check its guidance note on issuing receipts. The association said: “We’ve received a lot of calls lately about what documentation you should be passing on to customers. This is most important in light of the recent announcement by the CAA that the Air Travel Trust has decided to review the terms of its payment policy in respect of sales made by Atol-holders and their agents.”
Abta advises anyone in doubt to contact its business support team on 0845 177 2282 or email businesssupport@abta.co.uk