Guides › Package Holidays and Hotels › What Is ATOL Protection?
What Is ATOL Protection?
ATOL is a UK scheme that protects trips that include flights, such as package holidays, if the travel company fails. If you are ATOL protected and have not travelled, you get a refund; if you are already away, you can finish your trip and get home. Flight-only bookings made directly with an airline are not usually covered.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Short Answer
If the Organiser Goes Bust
If a package organiser goes bust, check for ATOL, ABTA, ABTOT or BCH protection. Covered customers get a refund if they have not travelled, or a finished holiday and transport home if they are already away. source
What Counts as a Package
You likely have a package holiday if you booked 2 or more travel services (for example flights and a hotel) for the same trip from one organiser, and the trip lasts over 24 hours or includes an overnight stay. source
ATOL and Airline Failure
For ATOL-protected trips, the ATOL firm must make alternative flights available or give a full refund, and if you are abroad, arrange to bring you home. Direct airline bookings may instead be protected by Section 75 or chargeback. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 14 daysRefund after a cancelled packageWithin 14 days of the cancellation
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 4
Look for an ATOL certificate after booking.
Step 2 of 4
Keep it with your booking.
Step 3 of 4
If a company fails, follow the CAA's instructions.
Step 4 of 4
For flight-only bookings, pay by credit card.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Card Provider: Section 75 or Chargeback
You paid by card and the company has not put it right. Use the Financial Ombudsman Service if the card provider refuses.
ABTA Complaint, Mediation or Arbitration
The company is an ABTA member and has not put the problem right. A fee applies for mediation or arbitration.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/holiday-cancellations-and-compensation/claim-compensation-for-a-holiday Checked 12 October 2026
- caa.co.uk/passengers-and-public/resolving-travel-problems/travel-company-problems/failure-of-scheduled-airlines Checked 13 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/somethings-gone-wrong-with-a-purchase/getting-your-money-back-if-you-paid-by-card-or-paypal Checked 8 October 2026