A survey of Abta members has suggested overwhelming support for bringing airlines into consumer financial protection, leading chief executive Mark Tanzer to demand the government ensure planned reforms are “fair”.
Abta reported 95% of those who completed a questionnaire were in favour of including carriers to protect all flight-based holidays from the UK.
The Department for Transport (DfT) is currently consulting on proposals to extend Atol protection to ‘Flight-Plus’ holidays sold by retailers and has said the government will consider legislation to bring in similar holidays sold by airlines next year.
Abta reported 225 members, or about 17% of the membership, completed the questionnaire, of which 95% (or 16.5% of the total) wanted airlines included.
Members also raised concern about the timetable for reform – the DfT wants the changes implemented by January 1 – the mechanism for issuing the proposed Atol Certificate to consumers, the insurance requirements for Flight-Plus arrangers and bonding needs for new Atol holders.
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “We have called on the government to ensure the reforms are both fair and workable.
“There is overwhelming support for airlines to be included because without them the scheme will not provide a truly comprehensive and fair system of protection. We are also concerned about the lack of clarity regarding key elements of the reform proposals.”
The DfT consultation is due to close on September 15.