About three quarters of people consider the Atol protection more important since Covid-19, with four in five saying it is important when booking a holiday.
That is according to research by the UK Civil Aviation Authority which said its package holiday financial protection scheme is “now viewed as more important than ever before”.
Data was compiled from 3,502 interviews conducted by Savanta ComRes in autumn 2021 and has been released ahead of the traditional peak holiday booking period.
The CAA said 74% of respondents consider Atol protection more important since the pandemic, and 84% consider Atol protection important.
Atol protection means that if the travel company you booked with ceases trading, a package holiday customer will either get their money back, or, if it has already begun, be able to complete their trip at no extra cost.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority published seven ‘smart travel tips for 2022’ alongside the topline research findings.
They are:
- Book an Atol protected package holiday
- Check cancellation policies before booking
- Take out travel insurance as soon as you book
- Follow the rules and requirements for entry to your destination
- Book on a credit card where possible for Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit Act
- Check for hidden costs
- Keep up to date with UK Government travel advice and follow advice when returning
Michael Budge, head of Atol at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “With many travellers considering Atol protection more important since the pandemic, we want to make sure consumers are aware of the financial protection that Atol provides.
“Whilst travel has not yet normalised, we’re asking holidaymakers to make smart decisions for their well-earned breaks by booking Atol protected trips.”
Rory Boland, travel editor at consumer magazine Which?, said: “The huge disruption to travel plans over recent months is a stark reminder that anyone booking a holiday abroad during the pandemic should ensure their trips are financially protected through schemes like Atol.
“Travellers considering a holiday should only book with companies that guarantee in their flexible booking terms that they will be able to get all of your money back if disruption should strike.
“A good travel insurance policy will continue to be essential, and it’s also advisable to book with a credit card to give yourself further protection.”