Making Sure Your Holiday Is Protected Should the Holiday Company Go Bust

There are currently many holiday makers wondering how to make sure their holiday is fully protected should an airline, or the operator they booked it with go bust, given the recent developments with Holidays 4U.

Over the last few years the UK has seen many airlines and holiday companies cease trading. Yet, it seemed like the travel industry had been given a reprieve, was getting more stable and was given a welcome boast by many people just not prepared to give up their annual holiday. However, last week, Holidays 4U, a Brighton based company specialising in holidays to Turkey olded, sending shivers down the spines of many.

Fortunately, for those booked on a Holidays 4U trip – around 50,000 people and a further 12,000 already on their holidays - the company was protected by ATOL. As too was Aegean Flights, which it also traded under. But is your holiday covered?

This ATOL protection means that those travellers already holidaying in Turkey will be able to continue with their holiday and be given transport home. And those who have made a booking will be reimbursed.

Advice to those would-be travellers wanting to book a holiday, either a last minute getaway or booking a break away in advance follows, helping everyone protect the holiday they’ve worked hard for...

ATOL Protected - If you’re booking a holiday with a tour operator in the very first instance, before you hand over any money, make sure they are backed by ATOL. Don’t be afraid to ask for their ATOL scheme number. What ATOL protection means is that should the tour operator go bust before you’ve travelled you’ll get a full refund. And if you’re away you’ll be helped home by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Make sure, if booking through a travel agent, that they are fully registered as an ABTA Travel Agent. It will mean your holiday booking is secure, or that you will be assisted home if the worst happens whilst you’re overseas. Never assume, always check. It might be that you are charged an additional fee on your booking to be protected.

If you’re making a booking with an independent travel agent or operator it’s worth checking to see if they are part of the Travel Trust Association, which will safeguard your holiday by offering financial assistant. Or, see if they are members of the Association of Independent Tour Operators. Again, this Association offers travellers financial assistance after the travel company has gone into administration.

Whilst most holiday companies and airlines charge you to book using a credit card, around 2.5% it’s well worth considering placing your booking this way. This is because if the travel company go bust the credit card company – Visa or Mastercard - will protect the money you used to pay for it. This is worth doing if you’re booking your travel separately, say for example you’ve booked your flights directly with an airline, then booked with a hotel directly and then the transfer.

Do remember however, that bank debit cards don’t offer compensation levels like credit cards. If you want to pay for your holiday using your bankcard do check with the bank to see what protection they offer.

So many people simple completely forget, or get it the day before they travel, but travel insurance is a holiday essential. It’s not just about getting hospital treatment if you’re ill or reimburse lost luggage. It’s about repatriation, cancellation and curtailment which cover you should the company you’re flying or travelling with go bust. A good policy will see you are reimbursed or get home if you’re stranded overseas. Do always check the travel insurance policy you are buying – the cheap ones are often cheaper because they offer less cover!

For more travel tips and advice visit Gatwick Airport Information the comprehensive guide for passengers travelling through Gatwick Airport.