What is ABTA and ATOL?

It  seems right to start my blog explaining the governing bodies associated with travel and the protection provided to you from it.

First off if you book outside of the UK this is cross boarder selling and you are likely not to be protected therefore you may find yourself in difficulty if the airliner goes into Administration or a volcano decides to erupt or even if the travel agent you booked with collapse.

So what is ABTA:

ABTA is a regularity body that makes sure it’s members are adhering to a code of conduct  ”to ensure that the public receive the best possible service from Members, and to maintain and enhance the reputation, good name and standing of ABTA and its Members. It’s essentially a guide to good practice, although some of what it contains is also required under UK and European law. The Standards on Brochures & Booking Conditions and Standards on Websites & Online Trading form part of the Code”.

What is ATOL:

ATOL is a financial protection scheme managed by the Civil Aviation Authority.
This gives you the protection in the event the travel agent failures, it will ensure that you do not lose your money and are never stranded aboard. Where possible it will also try to ensure that your holiday can be continued.