Booking Your Holiday? Do Your Homework!

Before you book your winter break or next year’s summer holiday, Consumer Direct is advising you to do your homework! The level of protection you get depends on the type of holiday you buy, how you pay for it and the terms of your travel policy.

Recent failures in the travel industry have left thousands of travellers stranded abroad and even more have lost their holidays altogether. This shows how important it is for you to know how your can protect yourself.

Consumer Direct advises that in general you will be better protected if you book a package holiday. If you do book flights and accommodation separately, ask what is covered and check your travel insurance or pay by credit card.

The government-funded consumer information service also offers the following advice:

If you are booking a package holiday (a holiday with two or more pre-arranged aspects, such as flight and hotel) check the company has some form of protection, for example membership of schemes such as ATOL, ABTA or AITO. These normally mean if the operator goes bust you will be able to get home or be given a refund if you haven’t already travelled.
You normally get less protection if you arrange your flight and hotel separately and you book directly with an airline or hotel. Make sure you check the terms and conditions.
Websites where you select different aspects of your holiday and then make one payment may not be considered “package holidays”. Check the terms and conditions and make sure there is some form of protection, such as ATOL, ABTA or AITO membership, bonding or travel insurance.
If you just book a flight with a tour operator you will normally be protected by ATOL or some other bonding or travel insurance. But this will not apply if you buy your flight directly from an airline.
You should think about paying with a credit card if your flight costs more than £100, as the card provider will refund the cost of your ticket if the airline goes out of business. However, you will probably have to pay for and make your own way home if you’ve already travelled.
It’s a good idea to buy a travel insurance policy that covers insolvency or includes supply failure cover.

You can get more advice from Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or by visiting the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

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