Holidaymakers are being urged to check that their booking during the January peak period is Atol protected to avoid being left out of pocket or stranded abroad.
Research released by the Civil Aviation Authority today shows that around 12.5 million UK holidaymakers will be searching for summer deals this month in what is traditionally the biggest holiday-booking period of the year.
Last year, 2.8 million people booked Atol-protected holidays in January, but the regulator has concerns many consumers could book unprotected trips in their rush to secure a good deal.
Today’s research shows young people (16-24 year-olds) are particularly at risk, with 1 in 12 suffering the collapse of a travel firm, airline, tour operator or hotel when abroad – more than double the average.
Holidaymakers who book an Atol-protected holiday are fully covered if anything happens to their travel company, but those without protection may well have to make their own arrangements.
The study confirms the most common factor people think about when booking holidays is price, while one in six admit they often book holidays in haste to get a cheap deal without much background research.
The CAA is calling on holidaymakers to double check they get an Atol certificate with their booking this month, to confirm their trip is fully protected.
Group director for consumer protection Richard Jackson said: “Millions of people will be looking to make the most of the many holiday deals that are out there this month, but it’s really important that they look beyond the price and check for Atol protection too.
“Atol gives you the peace of mind that you won’t lose your money and will get home safely even if your travel company goes bust.
“Without protection you could be left out of pocket or stranded abroad, so always check you’ll get an Atol certificate when booking your holiday, so you can be sure you’re covered.”
More than 14,000 Atol-protected holidaymakers were repatriated to the UK after their holiday company collapsed between 2011/12 and 2012/13, with 69,000 people eligible for refunds, according to the authority.
The last Atol-protected company to collapse was Essex-based Ola Holidays in November, with around 500 customers abroad and a further 2,000 forward bookings affected.
All clients who were abroad could continue their holiday and return home safely, while the CAA ensured those with forward bookings could go ahead with their original holiday plans without losing any money.