The Civil Aviation Authority is warning UK travellers against booking overseas travel without the protection of a package holiday and “look beyond the price”.
The CAA is urging holidaymakers “not to leave themselves unprotected when booking last minute deals” as summer 2021 draws to a close – and look out for the Atol logo.
In a consumer-facing update, it said: “With many popular destinations now open for visitors, lots of us will be searching for bargain trips abroad, but it’s more important than ever to check that your trip is financially protected.
“If you are booking a package holiday, make sure that it is financially protected by the Atol scheme.
The CAA is trying to raise awareness among consumers that Atol protection means that if the travel company holidaymakers booked with ceases trading, they will either get their money back, or complete their trip at no extra cost.”
It warned holidaymakers: “Not all websites ending in .co.uk will be companies based in the UK, which means they may not offer financial protection.”
The CAA is urging holidaymakers to seek out the Atol logo inn their shop windows, on websites or in brochures, look for a unique four or five-digit Atol number and, if in doubt, use its online Check an Atol page.
Andy Cohen, head of Atol at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “With travellers eager to get away, we urge consumers to do their research and look beyond the price when booking last minute getaways to hotspot destinations.
“It is more important now than ever that travellers make sure they are financially protected when travelling.”
More information on how to book trips securely can be found at packpeaceofmind.co.uk.