This summer, the holidays of up to 18 million consumers who put together their own `DIY` break could be at risk in the event of insolvency, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in United Kingdom has…
This summer, the holidays of up to 18 million consumers who put together their own `DIY` break could be at risk in the event of insolvency, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in United Kingdom has warned.
The warning comes after the CAA found that although over nine in ten (92 per cent) of almost 5,000 holiday consumers it questioned considered holiday financial protection to be important, over a third (35 per cent) incorrectly believed that a DIY holiday they put together themselves would be protected should their airline, hotel or car hire company cease trading.
The CAA, which operates the ATOL financial protection scheme, is today urging consumers to check that their summer air holidays are financially protected.
Flights and accommodation booked separately as part of a DIY break are unconnected. This means that if an airline or accommodation provider ceases trading before consumers travel, holidaymakers could be forced to buy alternative, often more expensive, flights or accommodation. And if travellers cannot purchase new flights, they may be unable to claim back money already paid for the unused components of the holiday, such as hotels and car hire. Consumers could even run the risk of being stranded abroad if their airline went bankrupt during their break.
The CAA is highlighting to holidaymakers the benefits of booking all elements of a holiday together with a single, ATOL-protected travel company. ATOL is the UK`s only licensing scheme for travel companies selling air holiday packages, protecting around 27 million people each year from losing money or being stranded abroad if their travel company goes bankrupt. Travel companies are also responsible for all aspects of the holiday, so if one element goes wrong, the company will make alternative arrangements.
ATOL spokesman David Clover said: Our research shows that although millions of holidaymakers will build DIY breaks this summer, they don`t always realise they are at risk. Holiday purchases are still a significant household purchase so we want consumers to make informed choices about financial protection. Those building their own holidays using different suppliers should be aware that they will not be protected against the risks of insolvency in the same way as booking all elements with one travel company.
He continued: Booking an entire holiday with one travel company does not mean that consumers have to compromise flexibility for protection. Many travel companies, including those on-line, will provide consumers with the type of holiday they want with the benefit of ATOL protection.
However, if consumers are booking DIY holidays this summer, we urge them to take their own financial protection measures such as buying with their credit card or taking out adequate insurance which covers against insolvency.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
