The Holiday People - ATOL

ATOL Protection Explanation

The Holiday People are a member of Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL).

The Adventure People & ATOL

ATOL stands for Air Travel Organisers License. Any holiday that sells flights plus other elements such as accommodation or cruises must have an ATOL, it is a legal requirement in the UK.

ATOL is managed by the civil aviation authority.

ATOL is important because it offers customers robust financial protection.

If you're booking a holiday, even if not with The Adventure People, do check how you are financially protected!

Below are some commonly asked questions and answers. Please do make contact if you'd like to discuss further.

ATOL stands for Air Travel Organiser’s Licence. It is a UK financial protection scheme operated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Here’s a full breakdown:
🔒 What is ATOL?
ATOL protects consumers when they book package holidays that include a flight with UK-based travel companies. If the travel company goes out of business:
- Before your trip: ATOL ensures you get a full refund.
- During your trip: ATOL ensures you can complete your holiday and return home at no extra cost.
✅ What Does ATOL Cover?
- Flight + hotel packages.
- Flight + car hire packages.
- Some flight-only bookings (where a travel company sells a flight but is also legally required to hold an ATOL).
Important: It does not cover flights booked directly with airlines or hotels booked independently.
📄 How Do You Know If You're Covered?
When you book an ATOL-protected trip, you must be given an ATOL Certificate as soon as you pay. This certificate confirms:
- What’s protected
- Who’s providing the protection
- What to do if the company ceases trading
🛡 Why Is It Important?
ATOL was established to prevent scenarios like those seen in the past where travel companies collapsed (e.g., Thomas Cook in 2019), leaving travellers stranded or out of pocket. It’s a legal safety net for holidaymakers, especially when booking packages.
🧭 Who Needs an ATOL?
Any UK-based company that sells air holidays or flights and meets the ATOL criteria must hold an ATOL licence. This includes:
- Tour operators
- Travel agencies acting as package providers
- Online booking platforms selling flight-inclusive packages
If you’re running or promoting holidays with flight elements (such as through The Holiday People), it’s crucial either to:
- Hold your own ATOL, or
- Work with ATOL-protected suppliers and clearly pass that protection to your customers.

How ATOL Works (for Travellers)

1. Booking a Trip

When a traveller books a package holiday (flight + hotel, or flight + car hire) with a UK-based travel company, the travel company must:

Hold an ATOL licence.
Provide the traveller with an ATOL Certificate immediately after payment.

This certificate confirms:

What parts of the trip are protected
Who the provider is
What happens if the company fails

2. Before You Travel

If the travel company goes out of business before departure:

You get a full refund.
The refund is managed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) using money held in the ATOL fund.

3. While You're Abroad

If the company collapses during your holiday:

ATOL covers the cost of returning home.
CAA arranges alternative flights or accommodation so travellers aren’t stranded.

ATOL covers:

Package holidays that include flights (e.g. flight + hotel, or flight + car hire).
Some flight-only bookings made through ATOL holders.

It does not cover:

Flights booked directly with airlines
Hotel-only bookings
Holidays booked with non-UK companies

You will receive an ATOL Certificate immediately after booking and paying. This certificate confirms:

What is protected
Who your provider is
What to do if something goes wrong

You can also look for the ATOL logo on the travel company’s website or marketing material.

No. DIY trips — where you book flights and hotels separately yourself — are not protected by ATOL.

To get ATOL cover, book a package holiday or flight-inclusive trip from a UK ATOL-licensed travel company.

Yes. Use the CAA’s official search tool here:
👉 https://www.caa.co.uk/atol-protection/check-an-atol-holder/

Just enter the company name or ATOL number.

The Holiday People - ATOL

ATOL Protection Explanation

The Adventure People & ATOL

What is ATOL?

🔒 What is ATOL?

✅ What Does ATOL Cover?

📄 How Do You Know If You're Covered?

🛡 Why Is It Important?

🧭 Who Needs an ATOL?

How does ATOL work?

How ATOL Works (for Travellers)

1. Booking a Trip

2. Before You Travel

3. While You're Abroad

What does ATOL protection cover?

How do I know if my holiday is ATOL protected?

Can I get ATOL protection if I book my own flights and hotels separately?

Can I check if a company is ATOL licensed?

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