ATOL
What is Atol protection:

ATOL is a financial protection scheme managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (“CAA”). All holiday companies selling air holiday packages and flights in the UK are required by law to hold a license called an Air Travel Organiser’s License (“ATOL”), which is granted after the company has met the CAA’s licensing requirements.

Who is Holding an Atol license: Each ATOL holder is issued with a unique ATOL number, which can be checked on the ATOL website, and must contribute to a protection fund called the Air Travel Trust (ATT). Some ATOL holders must also provide a bond to the ATT.

Atol protection: In the event of an ATOL holder’s failure, the ATOL Scheme ensures customers who booked and contracted with the ATOL holder for an air holiday package or a flight, do not lose the money paid over or are not stranded abroad.

How your Booking is Atol protected: If you pay any money - even a deposit - to a holiday company in the UK for a flight or an air holiday package, the sale usually has to be ATOL protected. The holiday company you’re booking with must either hold an ATOL or be an agent of a company that does, in which case it must tell you when you book which ATOL you’re protected by, and as soon as you pay any money, issue an ATOL Receipt to you.

Please note: If you're just buying a scheduled airline ticket from a travel agent and you get your ticket or airline confirmation straight after you’ve paid, you won't usually be covered. ATOL also doesn’t apply if you book direct with an airline.

How can you check when you make your Booking: Before you book you should check with the holiday company that all the holiday arrangements you’re booking with them, flights and accommodation etc, are covered by their ATOL, and that you will receive a holiday invoice, called an ATOL Confirmation Invoice, that confirms these arrangements, the total cost and your ATOL protection.

Important Notice: The ATOL Confirmation Invoice is a very important document, as it will ensure you are protected if your holiday company fails. You should keep it safe and take a copy on holiday with you in case you need to claim.

for more information about Atol license or Atol protection scheme please visit http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=27