ABTA and ATOL Protection: What It Means for Your Travel

There is no better feeling than booking your holiday, but the world of travel protection can sometimes feel confusing. You've probably come across terms like ABTA and ATOL when booking a holiday, but what do these mean, and why should you care about them? Charter Travel are both ABTA & ATOL protected, so if you read on we'll demystify these travel protections and explain what they mean for you and why you should make sure your travel provider is always both ABTA & ATOL protected! 

What is ABTA?

ABTA stands for the Association of British Travel Agents. Think of it as a seal of approval for travel companies in the UK. When a travel company is an ABTA member, it means they adhere to a certain set of standards and practices. ABTA members are committed to providing you with quality service and ensuring that your travel experience is as smooth as possible.

Here's why ABTA matters to you:

• Financial Protection: If you book a package holiday with an ABTA member, your money is protected. This means that in case the travel company goes out of business or faces financial difficulties, you won't lose your hard-earned cash. You can get a refund or continue your trip with minimal disruption.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that you're dealing with a reputable travel company can give you peace of mind. You can trust that they'll provide the services they promised, and if anything goes wrong, you have a trusted organisation to turn to for assistance.
• Consumer Protection: ABTA has a Code of Conduct that its members must follow. This code includes guidelines for fair and transparent pricing, accurate advertising, and ethical business practices, ensuring that you, as a consumer, are treated fairly.

What is ATOL?

ATOL, on the other hand, stands for Air Travel Organiser's License. While ABTA focuses on overall travel protection, ATOL specifically covers package holidays that include flights. If your holiday involves air travel, ATOL protection is what you need to understand.

Here's why ATOL matters to you:

• Flight Protection: When you book a package holiday that includes flights with an ATOL-protected company, your flights are safeguarded. In the event that the airline or travel company providing the flights goes bust, ATOL ensures you get a refund or a replacement flight, so your travel plans aren't disrupted.
• Peace of Mind, Part Two: Just like with ABTA, ATOL provides peace of mind. You can rest assured that even if the airline encounters financial difficulties, your flights are protected.
• Legal Requirement: In the UK, it's a legal requirement for companies selling package holidays that include flights to have ATOL protection. So, when you see that a travel company has ATOL certification, it's a sign that they can be trusted to be complying with UK legal requirements for Travel Providers.

So, What's the Difference?

The main difference between ABTA and ATOL is the scope of protection they offer. ABTA covers a broader range of travel arrangements, including accommodations, excursions, and more, while ATOL specifically focuses on flights within package holidays. When booking your holiday, it is essential to make sure your Travel Provider has both! 

Charter Travel holds both ABTA & ATOL protection, meaning no matter what when you book with us your holiday is fully financially protected! On our website we have both ABTA & ATOL logos, plus our license numbers can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions section.